Lily的Scalers Talk第八轮新概念朗读持续力训练Da

Lesson 11-2      How to grow old

An individual human existence should be like a river -- small at first, narrowly contained within its banks, and rushing passionately past boulders and over waterfalls. Gradually the river grows wider, the banks recede, the waters flow more quietly, and in the end, without any visible break, they become merged in the sea, and painlessly lose their individual being. The man who, in old age, can see his life in this way, will not suffer from the fear of death, since the things he cares for will continue. And if, with the decay of vitality, weariness increases, the thought of rest will be not unwelcome. I should wish to die while still at work, knowing that others will carry on what I can no longer do, and content in the thought that what was possible has been done.

passionately  /ˈpæʃənɪtlɪ/  激昂地、非常;热情地;激动地;炽热地

boulder  /ˈboʊldər/  巨石

visible /ˈvɪzəbl/  可见的;明显的;看得见的;

painlessly  毫无痛苦地;

decay /dɪˈkeɪ/ 衰减;(使)腐烂;衰退;衰败;

vitality /vaɪˈtæləti/  精力、活力;生命力;热情

weariness /ˈwɪrinəs/ 疲惫感、厌倦;疲倦;

the thought of rest  是死亡的一种委婉的说法

content  满意;满足;