The element with the symbol 'C' is carbon. Carbon is a non-metal element that is fundamental to all known life on Earth. It has unique properties that allow it to form stable bonds with a variety of other elements, leading to a diverse range of compounds. Carbon is found in many forms, including graphite, diamond, and fullerenes, and it is the backbone of organic chemistry, making up the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids. Its ability to create complex molecules is what enables the vast diversity of life.