In "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the author reflects on a fleeting period in human history when one could earn a living just by capturing images and stories of celebrities. This moment, while short-lived and almost surreal when looking back, highlights the transient nature of fame and the changing dynamics of society.

The quote emphasizes how quickly circumstances can change, drawing attention to the ephemeral nature of both celebrity culture and livelihood. This brief era, akin to a blink of an eye, serves as a poignant reminder of how the world rapidly evolves and how what once seemed sustainable can vanish almost overnight.