To prefer a humble and free life (like a turtle dragging its tail in the mud) to a high official position with its inherent constraints; to live contentedly in obscurity rather than serving in officialdom.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, the renowned philosopher Zhuangzi was a man of great talent. King Wei of Chu wanted to invite him to assist in governing the state and sent two envoys with many pearls and silks.
They found Zhuangzi fishing by the Puyang River, where he lived as a recluse.
Zhuangzi used an analogy, telling the envoys that he would rather be like a turtle dragging its tail in the mud, preserving its life by living in seclusion, instead of being enshrined in a temple and having its bones admired.
The envoys had no choice but to leave dejectedly, understanding Zhuangzi's preference for a simple, free life over officialdom.