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How the holy and the profane mix in the light of day and at the end of life is sometimes the most beautiful thing in this world and a compassionate entry into the next. After failure and defeat, a concentration upon certain beauties, though forever lost and unretrievable, can lift the wounded past roundedness and the dying past dying, protecting them with an image, still and bright, that will ride with them on their long ride, never to fade and never to retreat.
by Mark Helprin
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In this reflection, the interplay between the sacred and the ordinary is explored, suggesting that their combination can reveal profound beauty, especially as one confronts the end of life. This merging offers a compassionate gateway into what comes after, transforming moments of despair into something more meaningful. The idea encapsulates how life's failures can be reframed through an appreciation of lost beauties, providing solace amidst loss.

Mark Helprin emphasizes that focusing on memories of beauty, even if they are unattainable, can elevate one's spirit. These memories act as a shield against the burdens of failure and death, creating a vivid, serene image that accompanies individuals through their journeys. This image remains an eternal source of comfort, symbolizing the continuity of hope and the enduring nature of beauty in human experience.

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The Pacific and Other Stories
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Mark Helprin
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