《菜根谭》是明朝还初道人洪应明收集编著的一部论述修养、人生、处世、出世的语录集，为旷古稀世的奇珍宝训。对于人的正心修身、养性育德，有不可思议的潜移默化的力量。 其文字简炼明隽，兼采雅俗。似语录，而有语录所没有的趣味；似随笔，而有随笔所不易及的整饬；似训诫，而有训诫所缺乏的亲切醒豁；且有雨余山色，夜静钟声，点染其间，其所言清霏有味，风月无边。
《菜根谭》英译（磨练福久、参勘知真）
一苦一乐相磨练，练极而成福者，其福始久；一疑一信相参勘，勘极而成知者，其知始真。
Repeatedly tempering oneself through the interchange of weal and woe enables one to attain long-term happiness. Repeatedly testing and checking in a process of doubt to belief and from belief to doubt enables one to attain true knowledge.
（保罗·怀特 译）
A person should temper himself by repeatedly experiencing both hardship and enjoyment; only in this way and when it has been done to the utmost can the fortune he attains remain long. A person should testify his researches by being open to belief and doubt over and over again; only in this way and after every bit of effort has been made can the knowledge he acquires become true.
（周文标 译）
