“先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐” is a famous phrase from the Chinese philosopher Mencius, which reflects a deep sense of responsibility and concern for the welfare of others. Here are several classic English translations of this phrase, along with a brief comparison:

1. James Legge Translation (1895):

“What I worry about first is the worry of the world, and what I delight in last is the delight of the world.”

2. Arthur Waley Translation (1938):

“I set before me as my first consideration what are the common sorrows of the world, and as my last what are the common joys.”

3. D.C. Lau Translation (1967):

“I concern myself first with the troubles of the world, and only after the world has been made tranquil do I take joy in its delights.”

4. John Knoblock Translation (2003):

“I take to heart the sorrows of the world before I take delight in the world’s joys.”

5. Victor H. Mair Translation (2010):

“I worry about the world’s troubles before I take pleasure in the world’s happiness.”

Comparison:

– James Legge’s translation is straightforward and maintains the sequence of “worry” and “delight,” but it might sound a bit awkward in modern English due to the use of “the worry of the world” and “the delight of the world.”

– Arthur Waley’s translation is poetic and maintains the contrast between the two concepts of worry and delight. The phrase “the common sorrows and joys of the world” is more idiomatic and easier to understand in English.

– D.C. Lau’s translation is clear and concise, using “the troubles of the world” and “the world’s delights,” which are more natural in English. The use of “only after” emphasizes the order of priorities.

– John Knoblock’s translation is similar to Lau’s in its clarity and simplicity, with “the sorrows of the world” and “the world’s joys,” but it uses “take to heart” to convey the depth of concern.

– Victor H. Mair’s translation is more direct and straightforward, using “the world’s troubles” and “the world’s happiness,” which are easily comprehensible in English.

Each translation offers a unique take on the original Chinese phrase, capturing the essence of Mencius’ philosophy in different ways. The choice of translation may depend on the context in which the phrase is used and the translator’s personal style.