Quote by Primo Levi

After the planet becomes theirs, many millions of years will have to pass before a beetle particularly loved by God, at the end of its calculations will find written on a sheet of paper in letters of fire that energy is equal to the mass multiplied by the square of the velocity of light. The new kings of the world will live tranquilly for a long time, confining themselves to devouring each other and being parasites among each other on a cottage industry scale.

After the planet becomes theirs, many millions of years will

Summary

This quote, attributed to Italian physicist and author Primo Levi, presents a thought-provoking idea about the progression of life on Earth. It suggests that over a vast span of time, when humanity no longer exists, a humble insect (beetle) will stumble upon the significance of the formula E=mc^2. The quote conveys a sense of irony, highlighting the insignificance of human accomplishments in the grand scheme of the universe, as even complex scientific theories will be eventually discovered by other beings or organisms. It also hints at the self-destructive tendencies of future dominant species on Earth.

Topics

Insects

By Primo Levi

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