We Need More Janes and Less Tarzans
What Dr. Jane Goodall taught us about real connection
Like many others, I was deeply saddened to hear about the recent passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist and activist who devoted her life to advocating for the rights of animals, humans, and the environment.
I also felt worried because Dr. Jane was a beacon of hope in our natural world that too often feels used and abused.
Dr. Jane was a trailblazer in her studies of wild chimpanzees. As a young woman without a College degree, she challenged the narrative of what a scientist looked like.
Later, when she attended Cambridge University, she defied the instructions to stay distant from her research subjects. She understood that building trust with chimpanzees was crucial for making deeper connections and keen observations.
Dr. Jane’s findings show that chimpanzees are highly intelligent and that humans share 98.5% of our DNA with them.
I was inspired by her dedication to speak on behalf of animals and the environment. In her interview with Krista Tippett on the On Being Project,…