A rooster was perched on a branch of a very high tree, crowing loudly. His powerful exclamations were heard throughout the forest and caught the attention of a hungry fox who was out and about looking for a prey.
The fox saw how high the bird was positioned and thought of a sly way to bring the rooster down for his meal.
"Excuse me, my dear proud Rooster," he gently spoke, "Have you not heard of the universal treaty and proclamation of harmony that is now set before all beasts and birds and every creature in our forest. We are no longer to hunt or prey nor ravish one another, but we are to live together in peace, harmony, and love. Do come down, Rooster, and we shall speak more on this matter of such great importance."
Now, the rooster, who knew that the fox was known for his sly wit, said nothing, but looked out in the distance, as if he were seeing something.
"At what are you looking so intently?" asked the fox. "I see a pack of wild dogs," said the rooster, "I do believe they're coming our way, Mr. Fox."
"Oh, I must go," said the fox. "Please do not go yet, Mr. Fox," said the rooster, "I was just on my way down. We will wait on the dogs and discuss this new time of peace with all." "No, no," said the fox, "I must go. The dogs have not heard of this treaty of peace yet."
Жизнь сегодня, кажется, гораздо лучше, чем 50 лет назад. Стало намного легче справляться со многими элементарными вещами. Например, людям не приходится стирать одежду без стиральной машины. Почти в каждом доме есть микроволновая печь, пылесос, посудомоечная машина, электрическая плита. Современные технологии полностью изменили нашу жизнь к лучшему. Пятьдесят лет назад люди не могли даже представить себе, что домашними делами будут заниматься «умные» устройства. Подумать только, они не знали, что компьютеры смогут мгновенно отправлять сообщения, делать фотографии или позволят совершать видеозвонки. В то время ни у кого не было сотовых телефонов. С одной стороны, возможно, без этих гаджетов было трудно жить. С другой стороны, дети были гораздо счастливее без сотовых телефонов и карманных компьютеров. Мои бабушка с дедушкой часто рассказывают мне о своих детских и юношеских годах. Они говорят, что тогда было счастливое время и люди были другими. Люди их поколения вовсе не были коммерчески настроенными. Наше поколение живет в эпоху потребительства. Мы особо не ценим вещи и одежду. Если что-нибудь сломалось или испортилось, мы идем в магазин и легко покупаем новую вещь. Моя бабушка говорит, что она носила одну пару обуви свыше десяти лет, в то время как я хочу покупать новые туфли почти каждый сезон. Права женщин также были изменены. Пятьдесят лет назад они должны были быть прилежными домохозяйки. Сегодня женщины занимают высокие должности. Они могут быть ведущими юристами, политиками, финансистами, топ-менеджерами и управляющими. Еще один скачок вперед – это развитие возможностей для туризма. Стало быстрее, дешевле и удобнее путешествовать из одной страны в другую. Это выгодно почти для всех: для иностранных студентов, любопытствующих взрослых, международной коммерции и торговли и т.д.Life today seems to be much better than 50 years ago. It became much easier to do many basic things. For example, people don't have to wash clothes without a washing machine. There is a microwave, a vacuum cleaner, a dishwasher, an electric cooker almost in every house. Modern technology has fully changed our lives to the better. Fifty years ago people couldn't even imagine that household chores would be done by smart appliances. To think only, they didn't know that computers would instantly send messages, take photos, or allow making video calls. Nobody had cell phones back then. On the one hand, it might have been difficult to live without these gadgets. On the other hand, children were much happier without cell phones and hand-held computers. My grandparents often tell me about their childhood and youth. They say it was a happy time and people were different. People of their generation weren't commercially-minded at all. Our generation lives at the era of consumerism. We don’t value things and clothes that much. When we break or spoil something, we go to the store and easily buy a new one. My grandmother tells that she could wear the same pair of shoes for ten years and more, while I want to buy new shoes almost every season. Women’s rights have also been modified. Fifty years ago they were supposed to be diligent housewives. Today women are seen at many high positions. They can be leading lawyers, politicians, financiers, top managers and superintendants. Another modern step forward is the development of travel opportunities. It has become faster, cheaper and more convenient to travel from one country to another. It is beneficial nearly for everyone: international students, curious adults, international commerce and trade, etc. ПЕРЕВОД:
Aesop Fable
A rooster was perched on a branch of a very high tree, crowing loudly. His powerful exclamations were heard throughout the forest and caught the attention of a hungry fox who was out and about looking for a prey.
The fox saw how high the bird was positioned and thought of a sly way to bring the rooster down for his meal.
"Excuse me, my dear proud Rooster," he gently spoke, "Have you not heard of the universal treaty and proclamation of harmony that is now set before all beasts and birds and every creature in our forest. We are no longer to hunt or prey nor ravish one another, but we are to live together in peace, harmony, and love. Do come down, Rooster, and we shall speak more on this matter of such great importance."
Now, the rooster, who knew that the fox was known for his sly wit, said nothing, but looked out in the distance, as if he were seeing something.
"At what are you looking so intently?" asked the fox. "I see a pack of wild dogs," said the rooster, "I do believe they're coming our way, Mr. Fox."
"Oh, I must go," said the fox. "Please do not go yet, Mr. Fox," said the rooster, "I was just on my way down. We will wait on the dogs and discuss this new time of peace with all." "No, no," said the fox, "I must go. The dogs have not heard of this treaty of peace yet."
ПЕРЕВОД: