📖 Meaning
To withdraw from society and live in seclusion permanently, never returning to public life. It describes a person who chooses to abandon worldly affairs and retreat into isolation for the long term.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a prose work by the Ming dynasty writer Gui Youguang (归有光), titled 'Preface for the Eightieth Birthday of the Elder Cheng Baian' (《白庵程翁八十寿序》). In the preface, Gui reflects on how many worthy officials, renowned scholars, and talented individuals one may encounter in life, and then asks how many there are who truly withdraw from the world and depart forever—those who harbor wisdom and skill yet choose lasting seclusion. The expression thus honors recluses who forsake fame and position for a life apart from society.
💡 Example Usage
晚年他厌倦官场纷争，决意遁世长往，隐居山林不再过问世事。
In his later years, weary of officialdom's strife, he resolved to withdraw from the world and live in permanent seclusion in the mountains, never concerning himself with worldly affairs again.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 遁世长往
- Pinyin: dùn shì cháng wǎng
- Literal Translation: flee, world, long, depart
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4