Childhood Wonder and Rediscovery of Nature

The author shares a childhood fascination with geology, expressing how early experiences of collecting unique rocks and fossils shaped a lifelong interest in the natural world. This passion, temporarily set aside during his teenage years while he explored different themes in literature, resurfaced when he moved to Cornwall, a region rich in geological history. His book intertwines personal narrative with an exploration of how humans perceive and interact with minerals, illustrating a shift in focus from the animated aspects of nature to the stillness of rocks. This journey reflects an evolving perspective on how the physical world influences human understanding and cultural evolution.