📖 Meaning
To withdraw from society and live in seclusion, avoiding public office and worldly affairs. It describes someone who chooses a reclusive life away from politics and social engagement.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Han dynasty divination text 'Yi Lin' (Forest of Changes) by Jiao Gan, specifically from the hexagram combination 'Ge zhi Lü' (Revolution to Travel). The text states that one who withdraws from the world and lives in seclusion ultimately never meets the right time or opportunity. It reflects the ancient Chinese philosophical ideal of reclusion, where scholars disenchanted with corrupt governance would retreat to the mountains to pursue a life of virtue and simplicity.
💡 Example Usage
他看透官场腐败，毅然选择遁世隐居，从此不问世事。
Having seen through the corruption of officialdom, he resolutely chose to withdraw from society and live in seclusion, never again concerning himself with worldly affairs.
🏷️ Category
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🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 遁世隐居
- Pinyin: dùn shì yǐn jū
- Literal Translation: escape, world, hide, dwell
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4