For more than six decades, Dr. Jane Goodall has inspired the world with her groundbreaking research and her unshakable commitment to protecting animals and the planet. At 86 years old, the legendary primatologist and anthropologist continues to share her wisdom—not just about chimpanzees, but about how to live a life filled with purpose, passion, and resilience.
Goodall’s journey began in 1960 when she traveled to Tanzania to study chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park. Her observations revolutionized science, particularly her 1961 discovery that chimpanzees use tools—an ability once thought to define humans alone. Her mentor, Dr. Louis Leakey, famously remarked: “Now we must redefine tool, redefine Man, or accept chimpanzees as humans.”
From there, Goodall’s career became nothing short of extraordinary. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute and launched the Roots & Shoots program, which now empowers tens of thousands of children in over 100 countries to create positive change in their communities. Her legacy is not only scientific but also deeply humanitarian.
Defying the Odds
When Goodall set her sights on Africa at just 10 years old, she faced doubt and dismissal. “Everybody laughed at me and said that I’d never get there. It was far away, we didn’t have money, and I was just a girl,” she recalled. Despite societal barriers, she pressed on, encouraged by her mother’s wisdom: “If you really want something like this, you’ll have to work terribly hard. You’ll have to take advantage of all opportunities. And if you don’t give up, maybe you’ll find a way.”
That advice not only propelled Jane toward her dream but also became the foundation of the message she now shares with young people across the globe: don’t let others define your limits. “So many people have said or written, Jane, I want to thank you because you taught me, because you did this, I can do it too — meaning follow your dreams.”
Lessons for a Fuller Life
Beyond her work in the jungle, Jane Goodall emphasizes that everyone—no matter their career path—can live a more fulfilling life by embracing two principles: persistence and consciousness.
- Persistence: Continue chasing your passion, even when others doubt you. Your determination can open doors you never thought possible.
- Consciousness: Every decision you make—what you buy, eat, or wear—has an impact on the planet and future generations. Choose ethically and live with awareness.
“Every single day we live, we make some impact on the planet and we need to make ethical choices, thinking about the consequences on future generations,” she said. This mindfulness, combined with unwavering persistence, forms the blueprint of the extraordinary life she has lived.
A Legacy of Hope
Jane Goodall’s message is clear: follow your passion, never give up, and live consciously. Her journey from a little girl with a dream to one of the most respected scientists and activists of our time proves that with courage and compassion, anything is possible.
