In the passage, William T. Vollmann reflects on the tragic history of the Holocaust, noting that the remains of approximately six million Jewish individuals are laid to rest in a specific location. This figure represents the conventional estimate of Jewish deaths during this dark period in history. Vollmann contrasts the deliberate, calculated actions of the Nazis, who systematically executed this atrocity over a matter of years, with the seemingly indifferent and natural processes that have since affected the remains of those who lost their lives.

The author emphasizes the stark difference between human-caused violence and the natural dissolution of bodies over time. While the Nazi regime committed extensive crimes through organized brutality, nature continues to act upon the remnants of this tragedy without struggle or malice. Vollmann's contemplation invites readers to consider both the profound loss of life and the lasting impact of such historical events, underscoring the significance of remembering those who perished during the Holocaust.