Why lack of formal training helped her research

Jane explains how being untrained let her avoid reductionist assumptions and observe chimpanzees as individuals with minds and emotions.

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We said goodbye to Jane Goodall, who passed away yesterday at 91 after a life that inspired millions. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to speak with her back in July 2022, a conversation I’ll never forget. Today, in honour of her incredible legacy, I want to re-share it with you.

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The legendary Jane Goodall is a scientist, conservationist and humanitarian, whose 60-year study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania challenged and overturned much of the conventional scientific thinking at the time. Her tireless work over the years - she is now 88 - has won her a legion of admirers, including David Attenborough, Leonardo di Caprio, Prince Harry and Greta Thunberg who calls Goodall ‘a true hero’.

She joins me to talk about the resilience of hope, whether chimpanzees have a sense of failure, her own failures in language, correspondence and motherhood, and her belief in the next generation. This was one of the most enlightening podcast interviews I've ever had the privilege of doing. Please listen!

✨ IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Jane Goodall

01:47 Early Life and Career

04:14 The Concept of Hope and Optimism

08:55 Groundbreaking Work with Chimpanzees

15:16 Challenges and Triumphs

20:22 Reflections on Failure and Success

29:18 The Power of Imagination and Early Influences

30:22 Exploring Animal Friendships

32:43 Roots and Shoots: A Movement for Change

37:37 Spiritual Experiences and Beliefs

44:58 Challenges and Failures