Tesco
Jane Goodall's legacy of empathy, curiosity and courage
Article

Jane Goodall's legacy of empathy, curiosity and courage

As the iconic scientist and activist celebrates her 90th birthday, her message for younger generations is one of hope — and not fearing the next adventure.

Claire Elise Thompson
Grist, 2024
Read the article

Read or listen offline

  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Visionary
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

When Jane Goodall decides to share her stories, she still packs auditoriums with people inspired by her activism. Covering a presentation Goodall made in Seattle in March 2024, Claire Elise Thompson of Grist magazine reports that Goodall, 90, remains a powerful advocate for animals and the environment. After more than 25 years of research in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, Goodall left in 1986 to harness her celebrity to fight the deforestation of Africa and cruelty in animal research. She continues to inspire audiences as she promises that the Jane Goodall Institute will keep spreading her message of involvement, activism, and optimism in the years to come.

Take-Aways

  • At age 90, Jane Goodall still seeks to inspire others to take action on behalf of animals and the environment.
  • Working for Louis Leakey as a young researcher opened doors for Goodall, who established a new way to conduct animal field studies. 
  • Goodall left research to become an activist and advocate.

About the Author

Claire Elise Thompson is an Associate Editor at Grist magazine, a nonprofit media company focused on covering climate change and advocating for environmental accountability.

Comment on this summary or Start Discussion