To be constantly on the move, busy with worldly affairs, having no time to settle down or rest; to be itinerant and hardworking for a cause.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Confucius often traveled from place to place to advocate his political philosophy.
Similarly, Mozi opposed wars where the strong bullied the weak and advocated equality and universal love. He also tirelessly journeyed through various states to spread his doctrine of 'non-aggression.' Both sages were constantly on the move, never settling in one place for long.
Ban Gu, a historian of the Han Dynasty, once remarked about them, 'Confucius's mat was not warmed, and Mozi's chimney was not blackened,' vividly describing their busy and itinerant lives devoted to their respective missions.