"Every two hundred years, every atom of carbon that is not congealed in materials by now stable (such as, precisely, limestone, or coal, or diamond, or certain plastics) enters and reenters the cycle of life, through the narrow door of photosynthesis."
It is clear to me that Primo Levi understood the importance of a good story and that one could be found in even the tiniest of places. I find his outline of the carbon life cycle fascinating and beautiful. It makes the sometimes cumbersome concepts of chemistry digestible and exciting when packaged in such a creative narrative.
Weaved throughout this story of the carbon atom are key chemical concepts and a lovely story of the adventure of life, bringing us to the truth of absolute interdependence down to the smallest parts.
Its funny to read a story about a tiny particle that exists in such abundance around me and to get lost in its travels from earth to sea to water and so on. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Primo Levi!
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