Novelties please less than they impress.

The line suggests a skeptical view of novelty: new things may strike us forcefully at first—by surprise, fashion, or spectacle—yet they do not necessarily yield lasting pleasure or satisfaction. “Impress” implies a momentary impact on the senses or mind, while “please” implies deeper, more enduring enjoyment. Read this way, the aphorism distinguishes between transient stimulation and genuine delight, hinting that the new is often valued for its shock or sheen rather than its intrinsic worth. It also aligns with a Byronic posture of worldly disenchantment: experience teaches that the thrill of the new fades quickly, leaving the discerning observer less easily gratified.