The Jane Goodall Institution released a statement last month that world-renowned humanitarian, primatologist, author, and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall passed away. On October 1st, Dr. Goodall passed peacefully in her sleep while traveling the world to spread her message of environmental advocacy. Jane Goodall was 91 and still living out her passion, continuing to be a trailblazer in her field.
Dr. Goodall first became influential through her 65-year study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. She used unconventional methods of science and worked with the chimps on a very personal level. It was this angle that helped primatologists to understand the similar processing and life skills of chimps to humans. These findings were transformational for not only primatology, but for ecology at large.
To me, Dr. Goodall’s early success in primatology highlights her inspirational view of life. Despite the past courses of study by primatologists, Dr. Goodall faced the criticism and changed the perspective of her field. She looked at not only science, but at life in her own way; intelligently, she made up her mind without the input of society.
After 26 years of focusing on primatology, Dr. Goodall shifted into conservation and activism. While attending a primatology conference, Dr. Goodall became aware of the effects of deforestation. Immediately, she took action, establishing multiple refuges for the chimps left vulnerable by their failing environment.
Despite already having made an impact in science, Dr. Goodall’s great passion guided her life. This inspiring trait meant full-hearted action toward the possibility of a better planet. Over the next few years, Dr. Goodall continued her work and made great impacts on conservation as a scientist and societal figure. She eventually established The Jane Goodall Institute, a global organization focused on fostering conservation through community action. Her institute included Roots & Shoots, which encouraged younger generations to join as agents of change.
To Dr. Goodall, conservation was about making environmental care important in communities globally. Therefore, her institute emphasized supporting and promoting community action. Despite her growing global power, it’s said she would meet with anyone interested in making a change.
When I was in elementary school, I read the picture book I am Jane Goodall, a bestselling biography that explained the message of Dr. Goodall’s work. I first read this book because I’m partial to fellow Janes. Still, I found myself appreciating the book’s focus on the legacy of Jane Goodall not only as a Doctor and pioneer of science, but as an inspiration to all inhabitants of the environment she loved. Dr. Goodall recognized the interconnectedness of humanity with our shared earth and the responsibility that this awareness entails. She lived and worked with her ideals in mind, which, in my opinion, contributed to her success.
As many reflect on Dr. Goodall’s life of decisive contributions to primatology, I hope to highlight this universal legacy through Dr. Goodall’s most powerful advice and quotes. This way, her work can be valued not only by her field but by humanity at large.
Dr. Goodall especially wanted to spread her message to younger generations. As she made progress in her field, society continually placed barriers in her way, limiting how far women were expected to go in science. Despite criticism, Dr. Goodall took the advice of her parents, who said, ‘If you really want to do something like this, you’re going to have to work really hard, take advantage of every opportunity, and if you don’t give up, hopefully you’ll find a way.” Dr. Goodall encourages this same message to youth, as it helped her reach her full potential. When you live in hope instead of action, you miss the very opportunities you’re so hoping for. Dr. Goodall had a unique view of God. She saw the world around her and felt gratitude and faith without following a strict definition of what faith or religion is. She describes the comfort she nonetheless finds in faith, “I don’t have any idea of who or what God is. But I do believe in some great spiritual power. I feel it particularly when I’m out in nature. It’s just bigger and stronger than what I am or what anybody is. I feel it. And it’s enough for me.”
I find this message especially needed at Loyola, where we often study theology in an academic, structured way. This can create a disconnect from perspectives like Dr. Goodall’s, that we don’t need to research or fully understand God to appreciate the earth and life. When you find God in your own perspective, you create a more meaningful connection, as Dr. Goodall did through her immersion in nature.
Dr. Goodall encourages using your youth to your advantage as you are flexible with your decision-making, “You may be halfway through your university career, and you may change your mind. There’s no harm in that. Don’t, for heaven’s sake, go on doing something that you feel you’ve made a mistake.”
As college decisions, career standards, and comparisons are increasingly emphasized, it is crucial to keep your long-term vision and passions at the center of your decisions. Rather than following society’s expectations or choosing the safe path, you can follow the example of Dr. Goodall, who defied the barriers imposed on her future possibilities.
When asked the impossible question of the meaning of life, Dr. Goodall was able to quickly give a thoughtful answer. “We each have this one life gifted to us. I feel that my life is a gift that I want to try to use as wisely as I can, and I want to make use of each of these amazing days that come my way to try to make a bit of difference.” When we view the meaning of life as a gift instead of a responsibility or a question to be answered, life itself becomes more meaningful and precious.
Because of her view on life, Dr. Goodall lived and worked a life full of meaning and fulfillment until the end. After decades of impact on science and society around her, Dr. Goodall’s legacy is undoubtedly to be celebrated and continually expanded by the hope and spark she inspired in younger generations. She gave back to what she found fed her soul, and therefore lived in fulfillment. Her perspective, strength, and passion can be appreciated by all that inhabit the planet she so loved.
