On Being with Krista Tippett Jane Goodall, In Memoriam — What It Means to Be Human
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Oct 3, 2025 
In a heartfelt revisit, the late Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, shares her profound insights on humanity's connection to nature. She reflects on her early curiosities sparked by childhood experiences and the pivotal moments in Gombe that reshaped scientific understanding of tool use. Goodall emphasizes the importance of empathy, advocating for gentle engagement in activism to inspire change. She also addresses the duality of human nature and the spiritual quest for meaning, encouraging a commitment to nurturing compassion in future generations.
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Childhood Moment That Made A Scientist
- At four and a half, Jane waited four hours to see a hen lay an egg and was later found by police.
- Her mother's supportive response nurtured Jane's curiosity and prevented crushing her budding scientific spirit.
David Greybeard's Breakthrough Moment
- At Gombe the chimps initially fled from Jane because she'd never been seen before as a 'white ape.'
- Her breakthrough came when David Greybeard used tools to fish for termites, proving chimp tool use.
Continuity Not Separation From Nature
- Jane argues the difference between humans and other animals is one of degree, not kind.
- Recognizing continuity reframes humans as part of, not separate from, the animal kingdom.
