Jane Goodall’s impact isn’t confined to the field of natural science.

The primatologist had a profound effect on the way we think.

Jane Goodall was one of the world’s most revered conservationists, primatologists, and a landmark of environmental activism. Her life was built upon a love for chimpanzees, and a deep understanding of the natural world. Her chronicles on the distinctive behavior of wild chimpanzees in East Africa–primates that make tools, are carnivorous, hold rain dances, and engage in organized warfare–set her apart, challenging the dividing line between humans and the animal kingdom.

Jane Goodall wielded her expertise of observation to teach us how to see, not just look. Dr. Goodall did not sugarcoat the behavior and lives of chimpanzees. She pointed out that in these Great Ape societies lie the presence of iniquity, including infanticide and inter-community raids. The tendency to commit atrocities in Apes is likewise present in human beings, for humans had engaged in massacres and genocides throughout history. Hence, these similarities in behavior led Jane Goodall to re-examined the concept of humanity, or, what it means to be human.

Synthesizing the field of natural science with philosophy, Jane provided many insightful critiques of scientific conventions, evident within her iconic style of shaping the details of her research into a riveting adventure narrative about two primary subjects– the chimps and herself. Specifically, she shattered the long-established belief of human superiority. David Greybeard, a chimp she named, demonstrated the ability using a grass stem to “fish” for termites. Discoveries which made people understand that perhaps, man is not the sole inventor. Through Dr. Goodall’s years of documentation of chimpanzee behavior, ranging from subjects like “the confident Flo,” to “timid David Greybeard,” she proved that chimps are capable of experiencing happiness and despair, emotions previously claimed to be exclusively human.

Dr. Goodall’s observations shed light on the complex social structures of chimps, one that human societies closely resemble. In a highly stratified social hierarchy, dominant males wield power over lower-ranking individuals who often act obsequiously to avoid persecution. In the “Gombe Chimpanzee War,” chimpanzee communities often battled intensely over territory and resources even to death, manifesting their capacity for lethal aggression within their own kind. The parallels that Goodall observed between chimpanzees and humans pointed out a humanity within chimpanzees, and all the basest primal qualities within us humans. 

Extending from her passion for observation, Dr. Goodall began to spend less time observing chimpanzees and far more time investing in their environmental protection and their disappearing habitat. Her dedication was always met by action as she repeatedly denounced the capturing of chimpanzees for display in zoos or for medical research. She traveled around the world, inspiring large audiences with hope that the world would recognize the importance of preserving and protecting its creatures, spreading her passion to everyone she came across. 

 Dr. Goodall’s shift from an anthropocentric to a biocentric worldview was a new outlook to understanding the existence and purpose of human beings.  In fostering the intrinsic value of life, she argued that every living being holds a right to exist regardless of their value to humans. Dr. Goodall’s environmental activism enhanced the human conscience as global citizens to treasure nature, which created the conditions for civilizations to prosper, when often times global economic powerhouses such as the United States had compromised policies limiting coal burning to facilitate the investment needed for A.I development, while others manipulated environmental activism to consolidate personal status and support.

As Jeanne McCarty, who previously traveled with Dr. Goodall, remarked, “She kept her own curiosity and energy and enthusiasm that we all have as children and sometimes lose. I never saw her lose that.” These qualities continue to thrive in the next generation, in the Jane Goodall Institute, which funds scientific research and conservation projects, and Roots & Shoots, a global program leading conservation and humanitarian projects. Indeed, the life work of Dr. Goodall is a multifaceted blueprint for appreciation of the natural world that is as much about hope and psychology as it is about research and policy.

Lucy Wu ‘28