《智慧书·第六辑·二五一至三百》第19则
Make use of the Novelty of your Position; for men are valued while they are new. Novelty pleases all because it is uncommon, taste is refreshed, and a brand new mediocrity is thought more of than accustomed excellence. Ability wears away by use and becomes old. However, know that the glory of novelty is short-lived: after four days respect is gone. Accordingly, learn to utilise the first fruits of appreciation, and seize during the rapid passage of applause all that can be put to use. For once the heat of novelty over, the passion cools and the appreciation of novelty is exchanged for satiety at the customary: believe that all has its season, which soon passes.
注释摘要
这一则讲的是一个极短促的时间窗口，以及一种在宫廷社会里极为现实的自我经营术。标题“Make use of the Novelty of your Position”与正文第一句本是一句话的两半，合起来的意思很清楚：你所处的位置，无论是一个新职务、一次新亮相、还是初入某个圈子，它天然携带的新鲜感本身就是一种可用的资本，因为人在“新”的时候最被看重。葛拉西安在…