“Periodic Table” by Primo Levi elaborates on the idea that one must make personal sacrifices in order to experience true fulfillment. Throughout the novel, he highlights on the challenges one faces while executing self-serving actions. While working in Milan, Levi withholds romantic feelings for his fellow co-worker, Giulia, due to his lack of taking risks. Rather than pursuing a relationship that would bring happiness for both himself and Giulia, he “[does] not return her embrace” as he fears “her destiny and [his own] would crash off the rails” (118). Ultimately, Levi does not sacrifice the risks of failure to pursue their relationship and is left dissatisfied knowing his missed opportunity. This idea that fulfillment is attainable through
