In the book "Winter's Tale" by Mark Helprin, the author conveys a profound message about the essence of joy. He suggests that true happiness cannot be quantified or bought; attempting to put a price on one's joy is akin to committing an act of theft. Joy is an intrinsic experience that flourishes in its purity and cannot be objectified.

This perspective emphasizes the value of authentic emotional experiences over material wealth. Joy is portrayed as a natural gift that should be experienced freely, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness should not involve transactions but rather an appreciation of life's simple pleasures and connections.