In living, one muddles through the years for the sake of those one or two moments which are indisputably great

In living, one muddles through the years for the sake of those one or two moments which are indisputably great

Mark Helprin, an acclaimed American novelist, has often explored the theme of the fleeting nature of greatness in his works. In his novel "Winter's Tale," Helprin writes, "In living, one muddles through the years for the sake of those one or two moments which are indisputably great." This sentiment encapsulates the idea that life is a series of mundane moments punctuated by rare instances of true greatness.

Throughout his writing, Helprin emphasizes the importance of these moments of greatness in the midst of the everyday struggles and challenges of life. He suggests that these moments are what make life worth living, and that they have the power to transcend the ordinary and elevate the human experience.

In "Winter's Tale," Helprin tells the story of Peter Lake, a thief who falls in love with a dying girl named Beverly Penn. Their love is a rare and beautiful thing, a moment of greatness that transcends the limitations of time and space. Despite the obstacles they face, Peter and Beverly's love is a shining example of the kind of greatness that Helprin believes is worth muddling through the years for.