No Age Without Talent
By: Sima Guang (司马光, 1019–1086), Song dynasty historian and statesman
A gentleman employs people as one would use tools—each according to their particular strength.
~ Sima Guang (司马光, 1019–1086), Song dynasty historian and statesman
The emperor ordered Feng Deyi to recommend worthy men, yet for a long time none were presented.
The emperor questioned him. Feng Deyi replied, “It is not that I have failed to do my utmost—only that in these times there are no exceptional talents.”
上令封德彝举贤，久无所举。上诘之，对曰：“非不尽心，但于今未有奇才耳。”
The emperor said, “A gentleman employs people as one would use tools—each according to their particular strength.
Those who brought order in antiquity—did they borrow talent from another age?
The real concern is that we ourselves cannot recognize ability—how can you slander an entire generation?”
上曰：“君子用人如器，各取所长，古之致治者，岂借才于异代乎？正患己不能知，安可诬一世之人！”
Feng Deyi, ashamed, withdrew.
德彝惭而退。
Context
Formal Title: Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government) · Annals of Tang, VIII (《资治通鉴·唐纪八》)
This episode from the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government) records an exchange between Emperor Taizong of Tang and his minister Feng Deyi. When Feng fails to recommend capable individuals, blaming a lack of talent in the present age, the emperor sharply rebukes him. The passage emphasizes a key principle of governance: talent is always present, but its recognition depends on the discernment of those in power. It reflects a pragmatic and meritocratic view central to effective statecraft.
Author
Sima Guang (司马光, 1019–1086) was a leading historian and statesman of the Song dynasty, best known for compiling the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government) (《资治通鉴》), a monumental chronological history of China. Designed as a guide for rulers, the work distills political and moral lessons from historical events. Sima Guang’s writing is valued for its clarity, moral seriousness, and practical insight into governance, making it one of the most influential historical texts in Chinese intellectual tradition.
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