This quote suggests that our perceptions can be influenced not just by our past experiences and initial impressions, but also by the allure of newness or novelty. In other words, we may be misled or deceived by the excitement and intrigue that come with new experiences, ideas, or objects, just as we may be misled by the impressions and biases formed in our past.
The first part of the quote, "It is not only old and early impressions that deceive us," refers to the influence of our past on our perceptions and decisions. We often rely on our past experiences to make sense of the world, and this can sometimes lead us to make assumptions or judgments that are not accurate.
The second part of the quote, "the charms of novelty have the same power," suggests that new experiences or ideas can also mislead us. This is because the novelty of something can make it seem more appealing or valuable than it actually is. We might be drawn to a new idea or experience simply because it is new and different, not necessarily because it is good or beneficial.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied in many ways. For example, in our consumer-driven society, we are constantly bombarded with new products and technologies. These novelties can be enticing, and we might be tempted to purchase them simply because they are new, not because they are necessarily better or more useful than what we already have.
In terms of personal development, this quote reminds us to be cautious of both our past biases and the allure of novelty. It encourages us to question our initial impressions and to scrutinize new ideas or experiences before embracing them. This can help us make more informed decisions and avoid being deceived by our perceptions.
