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新世纪大学英语第二册课文-TextB

第一单元:The Smile 1第二单元:My Debt in Life 2第三单元:The Struggle for an Education 5第四单元:The Power of Positive Thinking:7第五单元:Trust 9第六单元:Unlock Your Own Creativity 11第七单元:Help Wanted: A Team Player 12第八单元:Learning to Recover 14第一单元:The SmileA genuine smile may have the power to heal broken relationships and unite distant souls. Thefollowing essay tells us how a smile worked a miracle and saved a man's life during World War II. Hanoch McCartyMany Americans are familiar with The Little Prince, a wonderful book by Antoine deSaint-Exupéry. This is a fantastic and fabulous (极好的) book and works as a children's story as well as a thought-provoking (发人深省的) adult fable (寓言). Far fewer are aware ofSaint-Exupéry's other writings, novels and short stories.Saint-Exupéry was a fighter (战斗机) pilot who fought against the Nazis and was killed in action. Before World War II, he fought in the Spanish Civil War against the fascists (法西斯分子). He wrote a fascinating story based on that experience entitled•The Smile. It is this story which I'd like to share with you now. It isn't clear whether or not he meant this to be autobiographical (自传的) or fiction. I choose to believe it to be the former.He said that he was captured by the enemy and thrown into a jail cell. He was sure that from the contemptuous (轻蔑的) looks and rough treatment he received from his jailers (监狱看守) hewould be executed the next day. From here, I'll tell the story as I remember it in my own words."I was sure that I was to be killed. I became terribly nervous and upset. I fumbled (摸索) in my pockets to see if there were any cigarettes, which had escaped their search. I found one and because of my shaking hands, I could barely get it to my lips. But I had no matches, they had taken those."I looked through the bars at my jailer. He did not make eye contact with me. After all, one does not make eye contact with a thing, a corpse (尸体). I called out to him, 'Have you got a light?' He looked at me, shrugged and came over to light my cigarette."As he came close and lit the match, his eyes accidentally (非故意地) locked with mine. At that moment, I smiled. I don't know why I did that. Perhaps it was nervousness (紧张), perhaps it was because, when you get very close, one to another, it is very hard not to smile. In any case, Ismiled. In that instant, it was as though a spark jumped across the gap between our two hearts, ourtwo human souls. I knew he didn't want to, but my smile leaped through the bars and generated asmile on his lips, too. He lit my cigarette but stayed near, looking at me directly in the eyes and continuing to smile."I kept smiling at him, now aware of him as a person and not just a jailer. And his looking at me seemed to have a new dimension, too. 'Do you have kids?' he asked."'Yes, here, here.' I took out my wallet and nervously fumbled for the pictures of my family. He, too, took out the pictures of his family and began to talk about his plans and hopes for them. My eyes filled with tears. I said that I feared that I'd never see my family again, never have the chance to see them grow up. Tears came to his eyes, too."Suddenly, without another word, he unlocked (开锁) my cell and silently led me out. Out of the jail, quietly and by back routes, out of the town. There, at the edge of town, he released me. And without another word, he turned back toward the town."My life was saved by a smile."Yes, the smile is the unaffected (不矫揉造作的), unplanned (未筹划的), natural connection between people. I tell this story in my work because I'd like people to consider that underneath allthe layers we construct to protect ourselves, our dignity, our titles, our degrees, our status and ourneed to be seen in certain ways, remains the authentic, essential self. I'm not afraid to call it the soul. I really believe that if that part of you and that part of me could recognize each other, we wouldn't be enemies. We couldn't have hate or envy or fear. I sadly conclude that all those other layers, which we so carefully construct through our lives, distance and keep us from truly contacting others. Saint-Exupéry's story speaks of that magic moment when two souls recognize each other.I've had just a few moments like that. Falling in love is one example. And looking at a baby. Why do we smile when we see a baby? Perhaps it's because we see someone without all the defensive layers, someone whose smile for us we know to be fully genuine, natural and honest. And that baby-soul inside us smiles eagerly in recognition.第二单元:My Debt in LifeA writer who has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in literature tells us why it is difficult to repay her debts. How could this be? Read on and find out why. Selma Lagerl?fA few days ago I was sitting in the train, bound for Stockholm. It was early evening; there was little light in my compartment (列车车厢) and none at all outside. My fellow passengers weredozing (打瞌睡) in their respective corners, and I was very quiet, listening to the rattling (嘎嘎作响) of the train.And then I began to think of all the other times I had come up to Stockholm. It had usually been to do something difficult - to pass examinations or to find a publisher (出版商) for my manuscript (手稿). And now I was coming to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. That, too, I thought would be difficult.Deep within me, however, was a great joy at receiving this Prize, and I tried to get rid of my anxiety by thinking of those who would rejoice (欣喜) at my good fortune. There were my good friends, my brothers and sisters and, first and foremost my old mother who, sitting back home, was happy to have lived to see this day.But then I thought of my father and felt a deep sorrow that he should no longer be alive, andthat I could not go to him and tell him that I had been awarded the Nobel Prize. I knew that no onewould have been happier than he to hear this.Anyone who has ever sat in a train as it rushes through a dark night will know that sometimesthere are long minutes when the coaches slide smoothly (平稳地) along without so much as a shudder (战栗). All rustle (沙沙声) and bustle (喧嚣) cease and the sound of the wheels becomes a soothing, peaceful melody (曲子). Well, that is how it was as I sat there and thought how much Ishould like to see my old father again. And so I began to daydream (做白日梦): "Just think, if I were going to meet Father in Paradise (天堂)! I seem to have heard of such things happening to other people - why, then, not to myself?" The train went gliding (滑动) on but it had a long way togo yet, and my thoughts raced ahead of it. Father will certainly be sitting in a rocking chair on a veranda (门廊), with a garden full of sunshine and flowers and birds in front of him.He will say, "Good day, my daughter, I am very glad to see you", or "Why, you are here, and how are you, my child", just as he always used to do.He will settle again in his rocking chair and only then begin to wonder why I have come to see him. "You are sure there is nothing wrong?" he will ask suddenly."No, Father, all is well," I will reply. But then, just as I am about to break my news to him, I will decide to keep it back just a while longer and try the indirect approach. "I have come to ask you for advice, Father," I will say, "for I am very heavily in debt.""I am afraid you will not get much help from me in this matter," Father will reply. "One may well say of this place that it has everything except money.""Ah, but it is not money that I owe, Father." Father then will say, "But that's even worse. Begin right at the beginning, Daughter.""It is not too much to ask that you should help, Father, for it was all your fault right from the beginning. Do you remember how you used to play the piano and sing Bellman's songs to us children and how, at least twice every winter, you would let us read Runeberg and Andersen? It was then that I first fell into debt. Father, how shall I ever repay them for teaching me to love fairytales and stories of heroes, the land we live in and all of our human life?"Father will straighten up in his rocking chair and a wonderful look will come into his eyes. "I am glad that I got you into this debt," he will say."Yes, you may be right, Father, but then remember that that is not all of it. Think how many creditors (债权人) I have. Think of those poor, homeless (无家可归的) people who used to travel up and down our native place in your youth, playing the fool and singing all those songs. And the old men and women sitting in their small grey cottages and telling me wonderful stories. It was they who taught me that there is poetry in hard rocks and black forests. And think, Father, of our own peasants -- do I owe them nothing for giving me such glorious deeds to write about? And I am in debt not only to people; there is the whole of nature as well. The animals that walk the earth,the birds in the skies, the trees and flowers - they have all told me some of their secrets."Father will smile and nod his head and look not at all worried. "But don't you understand, Father, that I carry a great burden of debt?" I will say, and look more and more serious. "No one on earth knows how I can repay it, but I thought that you, in Heaven (天堂), would know.""We do," Father will say and be as carefree and relaxed as he used to be. "Never fear, child, there is a remedy for your trouble.""Yes, Father, but that's not all. I am also heavily in debt to those who have formed and molded (塑造) our language into the good instrument that it is, and taught me to use it. And, then,am I not in debt to those who have written in prose (散文) and in verse (韵文) before my time, who have turned writing into art, the torchbearers (启蒙者), the pathfinders (先驱)? The great Norwegians (挪威人), the great Russians (俄罗斯人) who wrote when I was a child, do I not owe them a thousand debts?""Yes, yes," Father will say. "You are right, yours is a heavy debt but, never fear, we will finda way.""Father, I am also in debt to my readers. I owe them so much.""Yes, yes," Father will say, and I shall see him look a little less calm. Surely, he will begin to understand that it will not be easy to help me."Remember all who have helped me, Father!" I shall say. "Do you not understand now that I had to come to you to ask how such debts can be paid?"Father has lowered his head and does not look so hopeful any more."I agree, Daughter, it is not going to be easy to find help for you but, surely, there is nothing more you owe anyone?""Yes, Father, I have found it difficult enough to bear all that I owed before, but my biggest debt has not yet come. That is why I had to come to you for advice.""I cannot understand how you could owe still more," Father will say."Oh, yes." I will reply, and then I will tell him all about this."I just cannot believe the Academy ..." Father will say but, looking at me and seeing my face, he will know it is all true. And, then, every wrinkle in his face will tremble and tears will come into his eyes."What am I to say to those who put my name up for the Prize and to those who have made the decision -- think, Father, it is not only honor and money they are bestowing on me. They have shown that they have trust enough in me to single me out before the whole world. How shallI repay this debt?"Father will sit and still no words will come as he thinks. Then, drying tears of joy from his eyes, he will bang down his fist on the arm of the rocking chair and say, "I will not rack my brains about problems that no one in Heaven or on earth can solve. I am too happy that you have been given the Nobel Prize to worry about anything!"Your Majesties (陛下), Your Royal Highnesses (殿下) , Ladies and Gentlemen -- having received no better answer than this to all my questions, it only remains to me to ask you to join mein the toast (祝酒) which I have the honor to propose to the Swedish (瑞典的) Academy.第三单元:The Struggle for an EducationAfter a long and hard journey, he finally reached Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia with only fifty cents in his pocket. This is Booker T. Washington's account of his journey - starting from the dark and dangerous coal-mine and eventually ending up in his admission to the institute - the struggle to pursue an education and to change his destiny. Booker T.WashingtonOne day, while at work in the coal-mine (煤矿), I happened to overhear (无意中听到) two miners (矿工) talking about a great school for coloured people somewhere in Virginia. In the darkness of the mine I noiselessly crept as close as I could to the two men who were talking. I heard one tell the other that not only was the school established for the members of my race, butthat opportunities were provided by which poor but worthy students could work out all or a part ofthe cost of board, and at the same time be taught some trade or industry.I resolved at once to go to that school, although I had no idea where it was, or how many miles away, or how I was going to reach it; I remembered only that I was on fire constantly with one ambition, and that was to go to Hampton. This thought was with me day and night.Finally the great day came, and I started for Hampton. I had only a small, cheap bag that contained what few articles of clothing I could get. The distance from Malden to Hampton is about five hundred miles. I had not been away from home many hours before it began to grow painfully (极度地) evident that I did not have enough money to pay my fare to Hampton.By walking, begging rides both in wagons and in the cars, in some way, after a number of days, I reached the city of Richmond, Virginia, about eighty-two miles from Hampton. When I reached there, tired, hungry, and dirty, it was late in the night. I had never been in a large city, andthis rather added to my misery (不幸). When I reached Richmond, I was completely out of money.I had not a single acquaintance in the place, and, being unused to city ways, I did not know where to go. I applied at several places for lodging, but they all wanted money, and that was what I did not have. Knowing nothing else better to do, I walked the streets. In doing this I passed by many food-stands (卖食物的小摊) where fried chicken and half-moon apple pies were piled high and made to present a most tempting appearance. How I wished I could have gotten hold of one of those chicken legs or one of those pies. But I could not get either of these, nor anything else to eat.I must have walked the streets till after midnight. At last I became so exhausted that I could walk no longer. I was tired; I was hungry; I was everything but discouraged. Just about the time when I reached extreme physical exhaustion (疲惫), I came upon a portion of a street where the board sidewalk was considerably (在很大程度上) elevated (抬升). I waited for a few minutes, till I was sure that no passers-by (过路者) could see me, and then crept under the sidewalk and lay forthe night upon the ground, with my bag of clothing for a pillow. Nearly all night I could hear the tramp (沉重的步伐声) of feet over my head. The next morning I found myself somewhat refreshed, but I was extremely hungry, because it had been a long time since I had had sufficient food. As soon as it became light enough for me to see my surroundings I noticed that I was near a large ship, and that this ship seemed to be unloading a cargo of pig iron (生铁). I went at once tothe vessel and asked the captain to permit me to help unload the vessel in order to get money for food. The captain, a white man, who seemed to be kind-hearted, consented. I worked long enoughto earn money for my breakfast, and it seems to me, as I remember it now, to have been about thebest breakfast that I have ever eaten.When I had saved what I considered enough money with which to reach Hampton, I started again. Without any unusual occurrence I reached Hampton, with a surplus of exactly fifty cents with which to begin my education. To me it had been a long, eventful (多事的) journey; but the first sight of the large, three-story, brick school building seemed to have rewarded me for all that Ihad undergone in order to reach the place. The sight of it seemed to give me new life. I felt that a new kind of existence had now begun--that life would now have a new meaning.As soon as possible after reaching the grounds of the Hampton Institute, I presented myself before the head teacher for assignment to a class. Having been so long without proper food, a bath,and change of clothing, I did not, of course, make a very favourable impression upon her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about the wisdom of admitting me as a student. I felt that I could hardly blame her if she got the idea that I was a worthless loafer (游荡者) or tramp (乞丐). For some time she did not refuse to admit me, neither did she decide in my favour, and I continued to linger (逗留,徘徊) about her, and to impress her in all the ways I could with my worthiness (价值). In the meantime I saw her admitting other students, and that added greatly to my discomfort (不舒服), for I felt, deep down in my heart, that I could do as well as they, if I could only get a chance to show what was in me.After some hours had passed, the head teacher said to me, "The adjoining (隔壁的) classroom needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it."It occurred to me at once that here was my chance. I swept the classroom three times. Then Igot a dusting-cloth (抹布) and I dusted it four times. All the woodwork (木制部分) around the walls, every bench, table, and desk, I went over four times with my dusting-cloth. I had the feelingthat in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon the teacher in the cleaning of that room. When I was through, I reported to the head teacher. She was a woman whoknew just where to look for dirt. She went into the room and inspected the floor and closets; thenshe took her handkerchief and rubbed it on the woodwork about the walls, and over the table andbenches. When she was unable to find one bit of dirt on the floor, or a particle of dust on any of the furniture, she quietly remarked, "I guess you will do to enter this institution."I was one of the happiest souls on earth. The sweeping of that room was my college examination, and never did any youth pass an examination for entrance into Harvard or Yale that gave him more genuine satisfaction. I have passed several examinations since then, but I have always felt that this was the best one I ever passed.第四单元:The Power of Positive Thinking:Your Key to a Happy and Better Life If thoughts alone can influence our behaviour, then how much can positive or negative thinking contribute to our success or failure? The influence, according to the author, is decisive: if we picture the positive and expect the positive, our life will change accordingly. Remez SassonPositive thinking means admitting into the mind thoughts, words and images that are helpfulto growth, expansion and success. It is the expectation of good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just nonsense, and others laugh at people who believe and accept it. Among the people who are familiar with this subject, not many know how to use it effectively in order to get results. Yet, it seems that more people are becoming attracted to this subject, as evidenced by the many books, lectures and courses about it. This is a subject that is gaining popularity (流行).It is quite common to hear people say, "Think positively!" to someone who feels down and worried. Most people do not take these words seriously, as they do not know what it really means,or do not consider it as useful and effective. How many people do you know that ever stop to thinkwhat the power of positive thinking means?Allan applied for a new job, but as his self-esteem (自尊心) was low, and he considered himself as a failure and unworthy of success, he was sure that he was not going to get the job. He had a negative attitude towards himself, and believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him. Allan manifested (表明) this attitude because he had not been admitted tomost of the jobs he applied for, and consequently had negative past experience.His mind was filled with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job for the whole week before the job interview. He was sure he would be rejected. On the day of the interview he got uplate, and to his horror he discovered that the shirt he had planned to wear was dirty, and the otherone needed ironing. As it was already too late, he went out with a wrinkled shirt.During the interview he was tense, displayed a negative attitude, worried about his shirt, andfelt hungry because he did not have enough time to eat breakfast. All this distracted his mind and made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behavior made a bad impression, and consequently he materialized (实现) his fear and did not get the job.Jim applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. He was sure that he was going to get the job. During the week preceding the interview he often visualized (想象) himself making a good impression and getting the job.In the evening before the interview he prepared the clothes he was going to wear, and went tosleep a little earlier. On the day of the interview he woke up earlier than usual, and had ample timeto eat breakfast, and then to arrive for the interview before the scheduled time.He got the job because he made a good impression. Of course he had also the proper qualifications for the job, but so had Allan.What do we learn from these two stories? Is there any magic employed here? No, it is all natural. When the attitude is positive, we entertain pleasant feelings and constructive images, andsee in our mind's eye what we really want to happen. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even the health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall and the voice is more powerful. Our body language shows the way we feel inside.Positive and negative thinking are both contagious. All of us affect, in one way or another, the people we meet. This happens instinctively (本能地) and on a subconscious (潜意识的) level, through thoughts and feelings transference (感情传递) and through body language. People can sense how we feel about ourselves and are affected by our thoughts. Is it any wonder that we wantto be around positive persons and avoid negative ones? People are more disposed (乐意) to help us if we are positive. They dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity (消极).In order to turn the mind toward the positive, knowledge and training are necessary. Attitudeand thoughts do not change overnight. The power of thoughts is a mighty (强大的) power that is always shaping our lives. This shaping is usually done subconsciously, but it is possible to make the process a conscious one. Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain. Ignore what others might say or think about you if you change the way you think.Always visualize only favorable and beneficial situations. Use positive words in your innerdialogues or when talking with others. Smile a little more, as this helps to think positively. Disregard (不理会) any feelings of laziness or a desire to quit. If you persevere (坚持不懈), you will transform the way your mind thinks.Once a negative thought enters your mind, you have to be aware of it and endeavor (尽力) toreplace it with a constructive one. The negative thought will try again to enter your mind, and thenyou have to replace it again with a positive one. It is as if there are two pictures in front of you, and you choose to look at one of them and disregard the other. Persistence will eventually teach your mind to think positively and ignore negative thoughts.It does not matter what your circumstances are at the present moment. Think positively, expect only favorable results and situations, and circumstances will change accordingly. It may take some time for the changes to take place, but eventually they do.第五单元:TrustWhen there is no chance of being caught, should a driver be tempted to run a red light? This is not just a matter of observing the law; it involves one's moral values. When we obey a law or a rule, we are actually in agreement with social conventions, where the guarantee of its performanceis faith and mutual trust. Read the following text and see how important trust proves to be in our lives. Andy RooneyLast night I was driving from Harrisburg to Lewisburg, Pa., a distance of about eighty miles. It was late, I was late and if anyone asked me how fast I was driving, I'd have to plead (以...为理由或借口) the Fifth Amendment (修正案) to avoid self-incrimination (自证其罪). Several times I got stuck behind a slow-moving truck on a narrow road with a solid white line on my left, and I was clinching my fists with impatience (不耐烦).At one point along an open highway, I came to a crossroads with a traffic light. I was alone on the road by now, but as I approached the light, it turned red and I braked to a halt. I looked left,right and behind me. Nothing. Not a car, no suggestion of headlights (车前灯), but there I sat, waiting for the light to change, the only human being for at least a mile in any direction.I started wondering why I refused to run the light. I was not afraid of being arrested, becausethere was obviously no cop around, and there certainly would have been no danger in going through it.Much later that night, after I'd met with a group in Lewisburg and had climbed into bed near midnight, the question of why I'd stopped for that light came back to me. I think I stopped becauseit's part of a contract we all have with each other. It's not only the law, but it's an agreement wehave, and we trust each other to honor it: we don't go through red lights. Like most of us, I'm moreapt (倾向于) to be restrained from doing something bad by the social convention that disapprovesof it than by any law against it.It's amazing that we ever trust each other to do the right thing, isn't it? And we do, too. Trustis our first inclination (倾向). We have to make a deliberate decision to mistrust (不信任) someone or to be suspicious (怀疑的) or skeptical (持怀疑态度的). Those attitudes don't come naturally to us.It's a damn good thing too, because the whole structure of our society depends on mutual trust, not distrust (不信任). This whole thing we have going for us would fall apart if we didn't trust each other most of the time. In Italy, they have an awful time getting any money for the government, because many people just simply don't pay their income tax. Here the Internal Revenue Service makes some gestures toward enforcing the law, but mostly they just have to trustthat we'll pay what we owe. There has often been talk of a tax revolt in this country, most recentlyamong unemployed (失业的) auto workers in Michigan, and our government pretty much admits if there was a widespread tax revolt here, they wouldn't be able to do anything about it.We do what we say we'll do; we show up when we say we'll show up; we deliver when we say we'll deliver; and we pay when we say we'll pay. We trust each other in these matters, and when we don't do what we've promised, it's a deviation (背离) from the normal. It happens often that we don't act in good faith and in a trustworthy (值得信赖的) manner, but we still consider it unusual, and we're angry or disappointed with the person or organization that violates the trust wehave in them. (I'm looking for something good to say about mankind today.)I hate to see a story about a bank swindler (骗子) who has faked the books to his own advantage, because I trust banks. I don't like them, but I trust them. I don't go in and demand thatthey show me my money all the time just to make sure they still have it.It's the same buying a can of coffee or a quart (夸脱) of milk. You don't take the coffee home and weigh it to make sure it's a pound. There isn't time in life to distrust every person you meet orevery company you do business with. I hated the company that started selling beer ineleven-ounce bottles years ago. One of the million things we take on trust is that a beer bottle contains twelve ounces.It's interesting to look around and at people and compare their faith or lack of faith in other。

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