Confucius' Quote 'Journey Not Far When Parents Live' Shapes Modern Geriatric Tech, Digital Caregiving & Neuroscience of Family Bonds
父母在，不远游，游必有方。——孔子(fù mǔ zài, bù yuǎn yóu, yóu bì yǒu fāng — Kǒngzǐ) Translation: “When parents live, journey not far; if journeying, have clear direction.” Explanation: Confucius’ ethical-geospatial principle “父母在，不远游(fù mǔ zài, bù yuǎn yóu), 游必有方(yóu bì yǒu fāng)” (When parents live, journey not far; if journeying, have clear direction) establishes filial responsibility as a spatial practice. The character 游(yóu)—depicting 斿(yóu, a child beneath a ceremonial flag)—symbolizes accountable mobility where movement is tethered to familial duty. This framework shaped 丁忧制度(dīng yōu zhì dù) (Mourning Leave System) in Han Dynasty China, requiring officials to reside near parents’ graves for three years—a ritual balancing personal ambition and filial piety. Historical applications evolved into societal norms. Edo-period Japan’s 親孝行(oyakōkō) (parental devotion) laws mandated citizens...
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