39．了解事物成熟的时机，并善加利用

了解事物成熟的时机，并善加利用。万物都有其成熟之时——在此之前它们不断完善，然后逐渐衰退。至于人工之物，则很少能够达到完美的顶点而无需改进。那些高品位的人的特权，就是在事物达到完美之时充分享受它。并非人人都能分辨出这一时刻；即便能够辨别，也未必知道如何享用。智慧的果实也有成熟之时，要善察其时，以便利用它的使用价值和交换价值。

39．Recognize when things are ripe, and then enjoy them

Recognize when things are ripe, and then enjoy them. The works of nature all reach a certain point of maturity; up to that they improve, after that they degenerate. Few works of art reach such a point that they cannot be improved. It is an especial privilege of good taste to enjoy everything at its ripest. Not all can do this, nor do all who can know this. There is a ripening point too for fruits of intellect; it is well to know this both for their value in use and for their value in exchange.