Language Point 1
It has often been remarked that the saddest thing about youth is that it is wasted on the young. (Para. 1)
Meaning: It has often been said that the saddest thing about youth is that youth, i.e. the opportunities, good health, etc. that are available when people are young, are wasted or not appreciated by young people.
Language Point 2
… “If only I knew then what I know now.” (Para. 2)
if only:
1) used to express a wish that past events had been different
If only I had gone by taxi. 要是我乘出租车去就好了。
If only he’d remembered to bring her here. 要是他没忘记把她带来就好了。
2) used to express a wish or a desire, esp. one that cannot be fulfilled
If only I could be there and talk with the pop singer! 要是我能在那儿和那位流行歌手交谈就好了！
If only she would marry me! 她要是愿意嫁给我就好了！
Language Point 3
The survey revealed what I had already suspected from informal polls of students both in Macon and at the Robins Resident Center … (Para. 3)
Meaning: An idea had occurred to me after conducting an informal study of public opinion among students both in Macon and at the Robins Resident Center, and now the survey proved me right.
Language Point 4
…what I had already suspected…(Para. 3)
suspect: vt. have an idea that one thinks is possibly true
The young man is more intelligent than we suspected him to be. 这个年轻人比我们猜想的更聪明。
I suspected that this event was just the beginning of a lot of trouble. 我怀疑这一事件只不过是诸多麻烦的开始。
Language Point 5
…from informal polls of students…(Para. 3)
informal: a. not formal; not according to rules or practices one expects from officials
an informal agreement 非正式协议
informal talks between the two leaders 两位领导人的非正式会谈
The opposite of “informal” is “formal”. An example:
This letter was written in very formal language. 这封信措辞非常正式。
Language Point 6
…from informal polls of students…(Para. 3)
poll: n.
1) [C] a survey of public opinion
We are conducting a poll to find out how many people are in favor of nuclear power. 我们正进行民意调查, 以确认有多少人赞成核动力的做法。
A recent poll gives the President’s Party a 5% lead. 最近一次民意调查结果表明,总统所在的党领先5%。
2) （pl.） giving of written choices at an election; a place where people make election choices 选举投票; 投票处
The result of the poll won’t be known until after midnight. 民意调查结果要到半夜以后才揭晓。
The people of England will go to the polls in the autumn. 英国公众将于今年秋季前往投票处参加选举投票。
Language Point 7
… if it (whatever it may be) won’t compute and you can’t drink it, smoke it or spend it, then “it” holds little value. (Para. 3)
Meaning: If something (no matter what it may be) cannot be counted in terms of money and you cannot drink it, smoke it or spend it, then it is of little value. In short, only material things are of value to young people.
if it ... won’t compute: if it ... can’t be counted in terms of money
Here the verb “compute” is used in notional passive, that is, it is active in form but passive in meaning. More examples of notional passive:
The book translates well. 这本书很好翻译。
This material washes easily. 这种衣料容易洗涤。
The clock winds at the back. 这只钟在背面上弦。
Language Point 8
… today’s college beginners are “more consumeristic and less idealistic” than at any time in the seventeen years of the poll. (Para. 4)
Meaning: The poll has been conducted for seventeen years, and it reveals that college beginners nowadays think of consuming good more than ever, and believe in idealism less than ever.
consumeristic: a. believing in spending money and buying goods
idealistic: a. trying to live according to high principles and perfect standards
Language Point 9
…the students’ major objective “is to be financially well off. ...” (Para. 5)
objective:
1) n. purpose, aim
His sole objective is to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. 他惟一的目标是在奥林匹克运动会上获得一枚金牌。
All our main objectives have been achieved. 我们所有的主要目标都已经达到了。
2) a. impartial (antonym: subjective)
I firmly believe that any report should be as objective as possible. 我坚信任何报告都应该尽可能地客观。
Language Point 10
…is to be financially well off. (Para. 5)
well off: in a good position, esp. financially
The government claims that most people are better off than they were five years ago. 政府声称大多数人比五年前富裕。
Only those who are well off can afford this house. 这幢房子只有有钱人才买得起。
Language Point 11
Accordingly，today the most popular course is not literature or history but accounting. (Para. 5)
accordingly: ad.
1） for the reason; so
They asked him to leave the company, and accordingly he stopped working there. 他们要求他离开公司, 因此他已不再在那儿干了。
She was angry and accordingly refused to attend the meeting. 她很生气，因此拒绝参加会议。
2） in a manner that is suggested by what is known or has been said
Please inform us of your decision and we will act accordingly. 请把你们的决定通知我们, 我们会照办的。
She’s an expert in her field, and is paid accordingly. 她在自己的领域里是个专家，并得到了相应的报酬。
Language Point 12
Interest in teaching, social service and the humanities is at a low, along with ethnic and women’s studies. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Students show little interest in subjects like teaching, social service and the arts; nor are they interested in ethnic or women’s studies.
at a low: at a low level or figure
Share prices have been at an all-time low. 股票价格已跌到历史最低点。
The economy has been at a bit of a low. 经济情况不太好。
Language Point 13
… along with ethnic and women’s studies. (Para. 6)
along with: together with
Jack escaped from the prison along with two other prisoners. 杰克和另外两名囚犯一起越狱逃跑了。
Many fresh vegetables are on sale along with some canned food. 许多种新鲜蔬菜和一些罐头食品在降价出售。
ethnic and women’s studies: the study of ethnic and women’s issues (e.g., Black-American History, Works of Women Writers, etc.)
Language Point 14
… was making twice the salary of college instructors … (Para. 7)
salary: n. the fixed amount of money given every week, month, or year as pay for an employee, esp. for those in a profession such as law, teaching, or medicine
He is on a very good salary now. 他现在的薪水很高。
Her law firm job has a starting salary of thirty thousand pounds a year. 她那份律师事务所的工作起薪为每年3万英镑。
Language Point 15
I tremble to think what she’s earning now. (Para. 8)
Meaning: I am shocked when I think of the amount of money she must be making now (that is, she must be making a tremendous amount of money now).
Language Point 16
But why can’t we have it both ways? Can’t we educate people for life as well as for a career? (Para. 9)
Meaning: But why can’t people achieve satisfaction both in life and in work? Isn’t it possible for us to educate people not only for a good job but also for a full life?
Language Point 17
Can’t we educate people for life as well as for a career? (Para. 9)
as well as: in addition to
He was appointed general manager for his rich experience as well as excellent educational background. 他由于学历高和工作经验丰富而被任命为总经理。
He gave the poor woman a temporary job as well as some money. 他给那个可怜的女人提供了一份临时的工作，还给了她一些钱。
Language Point 18
If we can not, then that is a conviction against our educational system - kindergarten, elementary, secondary and higher. (Para. 10)
Meaning: If we can’t do this, then it shows a serious problem with our educational system - kindergarten, elementary, secondary and higher.
Language Point 19
If we can not, then that is a conviction against our educational system… (Para. 10)
conviction: n. the thing (or things) one deeply believes in
He had a firm conviction that he was always right. 他坚信自己总是正确的。
convict: vt. (of a jury or judge) declare in a lawcourt that sb. is guilty (of a crime)
He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. 他被定为谋杀罪而被判死刑。
Language Point 20
In a time of increasing specialization, a time when 90 percent of all the scientists who have ever lived are currently alive, more than ever, we need to know what is truly important in life. (Para. 10)
Meaning: Nowadays, people are becoming more in favor of specialization and 90 % of all the scientists are still alive, i.e. there are far more scientists working today than ever before in human history. So it is now more critical and important than ever for us to know what is really important in life.
Language Point 21
In a time of increasing specialization,… (Para. 10)
specialization: n. [U, C] specializing; limiting all or most of your study or work to one subject or activity
There is too much specialization of subjects too early in our school. 我们学校里分科太细、太早。
The lawyer said that he was unable to help us because our case fell outside his specialization. 律师说他没法帮助我们，因为我们的案子超出了他的专业范围。
specialize (in): vi. limit all or most of your study or work to one subject or activitiy
Professor Smith specializes in the early history of Europe.史密斯教授专门从事欧洲早期历史的研究。
After she qualified as a lawyer, she decided to specialize in business law.在取得律师资格后, 她决定专攻商法。
This company specializes in selling home computers that were made in other countries.这家公司专门经销进口家用电脑。
Language Point 22
This is where age and maturity enter. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Age and maturity help people realize what is truly important in life.
Language Point 23
… finally arrive at the inevitable conclusion that they were meant to do more than serve a corporation,… (Para. 11)
arrive at: come to / draw / reach (a conclusion, etc.)
be meant to: be supposed to
You are meant to take your shoes off before you enter a temple in India. 在进入印度的庙宇之前应先脱鞋。
We are meant to fill in a tax form and pay income tax every year. 每年我们都得填写税单并缴纳所得税。
corporation: n. a business company
a multi-national corporation 跨国公司
Mary now works for a large American corporation. 玛丽现在在一家美国大公司工作。
Language Point 24
Most of us finally have the insight that quality of life is not entirely determined by a balance sheet. (Para. 12)
Meaning: Most of us finally understand that our quality of life is not totally decided by our financial situation.
balance sheet: a statement of how much money has come in and how much money has gone out
Language Point 25
… but we also want to feel we have a perspective on the world beyond the confines of our occupation … (Para. 12)
Meaning: …but we also want to feel that we have an understanding of the world outside our career ...
have a perspective on: have your own way of looking at and judging (sth.)
Language Point 26
… beyond the confines of our occupation … (Para. 12)
confines: n. (pl.) limits or borders
within the confines of campus life 在校园生活的范围内
beyond the confines of human knowledge 超出人类知识的范围
Language Point 27
… beyond the confines of our occupation … (Para. 12)
occupation: n.
1) [C] a job; an employment
“What’s your occupation?” “I’m an insurance agent.” “你的职业是什么?” “保险代理人。”
Please tell me your name, age and occupation. 请告诉我你的姓名、年龄和职业。
2) [C] a regular activity; an activity done in one’s spare time
His favorite occupation is reading. 他最喜爱的消遣是读书。
She has many occupations, including gardening and wine-making. 她有许多兴趣爱好, 包括园艺和釀酒。
Language Point 28
… we want to be able to render service to … (Para. 12)
render: vt.
1） give, offer (help, assistance, service, etc.)
The staff rendered first-class service and all the guests were quite satisfied. 工作人员提供了一流的服务，客人们十分满意。
You have earned a reward for the help you have rendered. 你提供了帮助因而得到了相应的报酬。
2） cause sb. / sth. to be in a particular state
His fatness renders him unable to touch his toes. 他身体肥胖, 无法用手触及脚趾。
His rudeness rendered me speechless. 他的粗鲁使我讲不出话来。
Language Point 29
If it is a fact that the meaning of life does not dawn until middle age,… (Para. 13)
Meaning: If it is true that people don’t understand the meaning of life until they are middle-aged, i.e. about 40 years old…
Language Point 30
…the meaning of life does not dawn until middle age,… (Para. 13)
dawn (on / upon): vi. grow clear in one’s mind
The truth began to dawn upon the poor man. 这个可怜的人慢慢明白了真相。
It had just dawned on him that he had been fooled by the woman. 他才意识到自己被这个女人愚弄了。
Language Point 31
... is it then not the duty of educational institutions to prepare the way for that revelation? (Para. 13)
educational institution: a school, college or university
institution: n.
1) [C] (building of)an organization, (sometimes) an organization for helping people with special needs
The Royal Institution is an organization for scientists in England.皇家学会是英国科学家的团体。
Now he is living in an institution. 现在他住在一所福利院里。
2) [C] a custom, system or organization that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society
The institution of marriage is still popular despite the high divorce rate. 虽然离婚率很高，婚姻制度仍然受到欢迎。
Eastern European countries are eager to copy the financial institutions of the West. 东欧国家很想照搬西方的财政制度。
Language Point 32
Most people, in their youth, resent the Social Security deductions from their pay, yet a seemingly few short years later find themselves standing anxiously by the mailbox. (Para. 13)
Meaning: Most people, when they are still young, feel unhappy about the amount of money taken away from their pay for Social Security. But after what seems like just a few years, they are old enough to receive money from the Social Security program and they are always eager to get it in the mail.
Language Point 33
… resent the Social Security deductions from their pay, … (Para. 13)
resent: vt. feel anger and dislike about (sth. that hurts, offends or annoys one)
He resented his father for being so strict with him. 他怨恨父亲对自己如此严格。
Notice that “resent” can be followed directly by an -ing verb or possessive pronoun +-ing verb. Examples:
Do you resent my leaving here without you? 你会因为我不带你离开这儿而不满吗？
The young man resents being dependent on his parents. 这个年轻人不喜欢依赖自己的父母。
Language Point 34
… preferably a prosperous one,… (Para. 14)
preferably: ad. desirably above anything else
Doing some exercise, preferably in the fresh air, will surely be good for your health. 做一些运动肯定对你的健康有益，尤其是在空气新鲜的地方做更好。
I can meet you at any time tomorrow, but preferably not before 11 o’clock in the morning. 我明天什么时候见你都行, 但最好是上午11点以后。
preferable (to): a. more desirable
A house with a garden in an area outside the city is preferable to an apartment downtown. 城市郊区带花园的房子比市中心的公寓更理想。
A day with friends is always preferable to staying at home alone and doing nothing. 和朋友在一起度过一天总比一个人呆在家里无所事事要好。
Language Point 35
… preferably a prosperous one,… (Para. 14)
prosperous: a. successful or well off financially, wealthy, being well-paid
a prosperous industry 兴旺的产业
a prosperous businessman 成功 (或富裕) 的商人
a prosperous job 薪酬很高的工作
Language Point 36
…it is equally true that our civilization has collected an incredible amount of knowledge in fields far removed from our own. (Para. 14)
Meaning: It is also true that an enormous amount of knowledge has been collected in all fields, many of which are not really related to our own.
incredible: a. impossible or very difficult to believe
He was absent from class and he gave an incredible excuse. 他没来上课, 提出的借口令人难以置信。
That’s the most incredible story I’ve ever heard! 那是我听说过的最令人难以置信的故事了!
Language Point 37
And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions — be they scientific or artistic. (Para. 14)
Meaning: And we are better off through understanding these contributions — no matter which field they are in, science or art.
contribution: n. [U,C] action of giving (money, support, help or ideas) towards a particular aim or purpose; sth. given towards a particular aim or purpose
He has made an important contribution to the company’s success. 他对公司的成功作出了重要贡献。
His last novel is his greatest contribution to the literature of Spain. 他最后的一篇小说是他对西班牙文学的最大贡献。
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to world peace. 他因对世界和平作出的贡献而被授予诺贝尔奖。
She didn’t make much of a contribution at the meeting this morning. 今天早上的会上她没怎么发言。
Language Point 38
And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions -- be they scientific or artistic. (Para. 14)
be they scientific or artistic: whether they are scientific or artistic
Notice that the present subjunctive be is sometimes used in formal writing to admit sth., such as a condition or sth. needed to end an argument. Examples:
If any person be found guilty, he shall have the right of appeal. 任何人被判有罪, 都有上诉权。
Whether she be right or wrong, she will have my strong support. 不管她是对是错, 我都全力支持她。
The second of the above examples can be also rewritten as:
Be she right or wrong, she will have my strong support.
Language Point 39
More importantly, perhaps, education teaches us to see the connections between things, as well as to see beyond our immediate needs. (Para. 14)
Meaning: What is more important, perhaps, is that education enables us to be far-sighted and to see the relationship between individual things.
Language Point 40
… as well as to see beyond our immediate needs. (Para. 14)
immediate: a. existing at present, pressing
The immediate problem is where to find a person to take this risk. 眼下的问题是去哪儿找一个能冒这个险的人。
We cannot only think about our immediate needs. Instead, we should think more about the future. 我们不能只考虑眼前的需要。相反，我们应该多想想未来。
Language Point 41
Weekly we read of unions that went on strike for higher wages, only to drive their employer out of business. (Para. 15)
Meaning: Every week we read about labour unions that started strikes to demand higher pay for labourers, but the unexpected result was that the employer had to close his business.
weekly:
1) ad. once a week or every week
The group meets weekly. 小组成员每星期碰一次头。
This is a magazine published weekly since 2 January, 1909. 这份杂志自1909年1月2日以来每星期出版一次。
2) a. happening once a week or every week
We go and do the weekly shopping every Saturday. 我们每周一次在星期六购物。
Every course is made up of 10 - 12 informal weekly meetings. 每门课程定为10到12周, 每周非正式见面讨论一次。
3) n.[C] a newspaper or magazine which is published once every week
Two of the four national daily papers are to become weeklies. 四份全国性日报中, 有两份将改为周刊。
Language Point 42
Weekly we read of unions … (Para. 15)
read of: find out about sb. / sth. by reading
I once read of this place in one of the books piled here. 我在这堆书中的哪一本里读到过这个地方。
It was a great surprise to read of this film being awarded the best film prize in this morning’s newspaper. 在今天早晨的报纸上看到那部影片获得了最佳影片奖, 真令人大为吃惊。
Language Point 43
…only to drive their employer out of business. (Para. 15)
out of business: no longer able to operate as a business
Lately, shops have had to pay more every month for the space they use. These increases could put a lot of small shops out of business.近来商店的铺面月租金提高了。这会使许多小店铺关门歇业。
Language Point 44
But the most important argument for a broad education is that in studying the accumulated wisdom of the ages, we improve our moral sense. (Para. 16)
Meaning: But the most important thing that supports the need for a broad education is that by gaining a lot of different knowledge from the work of others, we can better tell what is right and what is wrong.
Language Point 45
But the most important argument for a broad education … (Para. 16)
argument (for / against): n. a statement used to convince people that sth. is correct
Can you tell us your argument for making the price lower? 你能告诉我们降价的理由吗？
The managers will declare their arguments against the plan next week. 经理们将在下周宣布他们反对这项计划的理由。
Language Point 46
… in studying the accumulated wisdom of the ages, … (Para. 16)
accumulate: v. make to become greater in quantity
Work hard, and you will accumulate a fortune someday. 如果你努力工作，总有一天会积累起一笔财富的。
Dust accumulates quickly, even if you clean the house every few days. 即使你每隔几天打扫一次房子，还是很快就会积灰。
Language Point 47
… “could you please send in someone who can distinguish right from wrong?” (Para. 16)
distinguish (one thing) from (another) / distinguish between (two things): understand the difference between
I can’t distinguish Jack from his twin brother since they look so much like each other. 杰克和他的双胞胎兄弟非常相像，我分不清他们俩。
How can he be a judge if he can’t distinguish right from wrong? 如果他不能明辨是非，怎么能当法官呢？
Some people have difficulty distinguishing between colors. 有些人分辨不清各种不同的颜色。
Language Point 48
In the long run that’s what education really ought to be about. (Para. 17)
in the long run: after a long period of time, in the end
It’ll be cheaper in the long run to use real leather because it will last longer. 从长远看，用真皮更合算, 因为真皮耐用。
The opposite of this expression is “in the short run”. An example:
Of course plastic is cheaper than leather in the short run, but it won’t last long. 从短期看, 塑料当然比真皮便宜, 但塑料不经用。
Language Point 49
But he also hosted a classical music show on the college’s FM station... (Para. 17)
host: vt. act as a host of (i.e. to introduce, invite and/or take care of the guests during an event, TV show, etc.)
Beijing is going to host the 2008 Olympics. 北京将主办2008年奥运会。
She has been hosting the TV program for two years now. 她主持这档电视节目至今已两年了。
Language Point 50
Oscar Wilde had it right when he said we ought to give our ability to our work but our genius to our lives. (Para. 18)
Meaning: Oscar Wilde was right to say that people should develop their career/work through the use of their abilities, but also should give the fullness of their mental skills and artistic abilities to make their lives more complete.
Language Point 51
Let’s hope our educators answer students’ cries for career education,… (Para. 19)
Meaning: Let’s hope our educators can meet the demand of students and prepare them for future careers,…
