Do Not Travel Far While Your Parents Are Alive, and Be Sure to Have a Specific Destination If You Do

During a workshop I once attended,there was a fascinating group discussion about the characteristics of traditional Chinese culture.One speaker argued that Confucianism was conservative and lacked an enterprising spirit,citing the signature exhortation of Confucius:"When your father and mother are alive,do not journey far."("Fumu zai,bu yuanyou父母在,不远游," Analects4.19) Interestingly enough,an insistent ringing interrupted him before he could finish his point.