Wénzhāng zìgǔ wú píngjù.

文章自古無憑據。

Lit Essays since antiquity have never had fixed standards [by which to be judged].

Fig Critical judgments are always subjective. Just because one's writings are not recognized or praised does not necessarily mean that they're bad.

Note [Said as (self) consolation about not having one's talent recognized, something like “you were born before your time.”]

Topics CONSOLATION JUDGMENTS SUBJECTIVITY TALENT WRITING