Tom:
Compared with western literature, is there any characteristic of Chinese literature? 

跟西方文学相比,中国文学有什么特征
Jerry:
Is it a bit reserved? 

中国文学比较含蓄吧?
Tom:
Yes, it is related with the culture, Western people always are straightforward when they are expressing themselves. 

这和文化有一定关系,西方的人们在表达上也比较直截了当。
Jerry:
In Chinese Literature, Confucianism and Taoism are in the leading position. 

在中国文学中,儒家思想和道家思想占据了主导地位。
Tom:
Right, there is also Buddhist thinking. 

对的,还掺杂了一些佛教思想。
Jerry:
Of course, Chinese literators also accept the positive attitude of Confucianism. 

当然,中国文人很多容纳了儒家的兼善精神。
Tom:
You mean, “If you live a life of hardships, you can manage yourself alone. But if you are powerful enough, you should also take more care of the world.” 

你指是“穷则独善其身,达则兼济天下”吧?
Jerry:
Absolutely, both the positive and negative attitude has been mixed. 

没错,这种积极和消极的态度是交织在一起的。


