Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 安步当车
Pinyin: ān bù dāng chē
Literal Meaning: Take leisurely slow walks as if riding a carriage.
Figurative Meaning: Lead a simple, tranquil life without craving luxurious transportation or material comforts; walk unhurriedly and contentedly instead of taking a vehicle. It also embodies a calm, peaceful mindset that finds satisfaction in plain living.
Cultural Background
This idiom reflects a traditional Chinese philosophy of simple contentment, valuing spiritual peace over extravagant material enjoyment. In the Warring States Period, horse-drawn carriages were a luxury only nobles and wealthy officials could afford. The saying pairs two ideals of frugal happiness: delaying meals to savor simple food as if eating meat, and walking calmly instead of chasing the convenience of a carriage. It praises people who stay unperturbed by vanity and embrace a serene, modest lifestyle.
Origin & English Translation
The idiom comes from a story in the Warring States Records (Zhanguoce, 《战国策》), during the Warring States period (c. 3rd century BCE).
There was a famous scholar named Yan Chu (颜斶) from the state of Qi. The King of Qi, King Xuan(齐宣王), heard of Yan Chu’s wisdom and summoned him to the court.
When Yan Chu arrived, the King said arrogantly:
“Come forward, Yan Chu!”
Yan Chu did not move. Instead, he calmly said:
“Your Majesty, you come forward.”
The King was angry. His ministers scolded Yan Chu: “How dare you speak to the King like that? The King is the ruler; you are his subject!”
Yan Chu replied:
“If I come to the King, it means I crave power and money. If the King comes to me, it means he respects wisdom and talent. I would rather be the one who is sought after than the one who seeks.”
The King was impressed but tried to test him further. He offered Yan Chu a high official position with a luxurious carriage, fine clothes, and great wealth. Yan Chu politely refused and said:
“Your Majesty, I am content with my simple life. I eat plain food, drink plain water, and walk at ease as if riding in a carriage (安步以当车). I would rather keep my freedom and integrity than trade them for a fancy carriage and a title.”
He bowed and walked away, never to return to court.
Usage
Commendatory. It describes people who live a simple, unpretentious life with a calm, contented attitude, uninterested in ostentatious material luxuries.
Key Lesson
Wealth and status are not the same as peace of mind. A person who is inwardly content does not need fancy things to feel important or happy. Choosing simplicity with dignity is more admirable than chasing luxury with anxiety.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Daoist and Confucian ideal of contentment – the belief that a person of true integrity does not sell their principles for power or wealth. It is often quoted to praise those who live modestly but proudly, whether it’s a scholar refusing a government position, a retired person choosing a quiet life, or a modern office worker who prefers walking to work over driving in traffic.
Similar English expressions
- Find contentment in simple, slow living
- Stop and smell the roses
- Take it easy
- A contented mind is a perpetual feast
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