The origin of the famous saying "A woman's lack of talent is virtue", according to the research of Hong Kong scholar Professor Liu Yongcong, should have been in the works of the Ming Dynasty. It is mainly believed that it was Chen Jiru (Mei Gong) of the Ming Dynasty. He said: "Women who are literate and can understand the true meaning are certainly virtuous, but they are rare; others like to read novels, stir up evil intentions, and even perform literary tricks to do innocent things, which is worse than being illiterate. , the better is to stay humble and content. Chen Meigong said: "It is virtue for a woman to have no talent." ’ It can be said to be a wise statement. "

Professor Liu pointed out that the original sentence is "A man with virtue is a talent, and a woman without talent is a virtue." Strictly speaking, it was not said by Chen Jiru himself, but was included by Chen Jiru In the book "The Words of the Elders", it should be said by Chen.

Professor Liu further pointed out that although this sentence was only born in the late Ming Dynasty, It has long been rooted in the traditional concept of talent and morality. "Morality is more important than talent" is the Chinese belief, regardless of gender. In addition, the Chinese always advocate that men should be based on "morality". "Talent" comes with "virtue", so it is said that "a man with virtue is a talent." As for women, the Chinese have never valued their talents and learning, but instead valued their "feminine virtues" and were deeply afraid that "talents would hinder them." "Virtue", hence the saying "a woman's virtue is a virtue without talent". And the so-called "talent" in a broad sense certainly includes talents and wisdom in all aspects, but due to the narrow life circle of Chinese women in the past, they did not have anything more important than poetry and poetry. It can show their "talent", so "talent" often refers to "literary talent" in a narrow sense.

So, Professor Liu believes that instead of just using a modern perspective, "a woman's lack of talent is a virtue." If it is said that it is an underestimation and stifling of women’s intelligence, it is better to study it from the perspective of cultural significance and social background. However, since the Qing Dynasty, because more women are literate and able to write than before, there has been an emphasis on women’s “talent”. , the discussion of "morality" issues. This is also the prelude to the struggle for women's rights in modern China.