Mention Jane Goodall and most people think of Africa and chimpanzees.
But in her best-selling book Reason for Hope, A Spiritual Journey, the world-reknowned scientist, environmentalist, humanitarian and author interweaves compelling African tales with the role that family, dynamic parenting and God have played in her impressive life achievements. She could achieve dreams because of their influence.
"At the heart of everything I've done is my remarkable family: my grandmother Danny, my sister Judy, and my amazing mother, Vanne."
Family's Role in Teaching Character Lit a Beacon
When the famed scientist began her studies with African chimps 40 years ago, most of her peers were agnostic or claimed to be atheists. The Big Bang theory left little room for inspired spiritual exploration. But the strong spiritual foundation created by Goodall's grandmother allowed her to confidently refute popular scientific beliefs and choose a scientific road including faith, hope and God. Their teaching character taught her to answer the question, "What are values?"
"... We were expected to say our prayers at night, kneeling on the floor at the side of the bed. From the beginning we were taught the importance of human values such as courage, honesty, compassion and tolerance."
The years Goodall spent in the wild, along with exploring the world's greatest cathedrals, further strengthened her faith, proving science and spirituality could successfully co-exist. Goodall writes that she questioned, even denied God's existance during tough life trials, but always regained her spiritual footing.
Her fascinating tales of scientific exploration, spirituality and environmental awareness, make "Reason for Hope, A Spiritual Journey" a remarkable read. Early in the book, Goodall eloquently addresses the spiritual impact of the beauty surrounding her on a visit to the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.
"... Since I cannot believe this was the result of chance, I have to admit anti-chance. And so I must believe in a guiding power of the universe -- in other words, I must believe in God."
Seeing Dr. Goodall
After savoring every word of this book, I decided to attend a Goodall lecture sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center at Aquinas College, and hosted by the Great Lake's Roots & Shoots program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Michigan.
As young students from a nearby school sat like newly planted saplings on the stage around her, Goodall stood tall and proud in their midst, like the ageless trees in the African forests where she has spent most of her life.
At that moment, I knew I was in the presence of greatness.
Program Gives Children Community Service Opportunities
Roots & Shoots is a humanitarian and environmental program designed for youth, from preschool to college, concerned about our planet's future. It is part of the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation (JGI) and began in Tanzania, East Africa in 1991. Today, there are 4,000 groups in over 50 countries throughout the world, including Michigan.
The community based program has three main goals: care and concern for the environment, animals and the community. Examples of local Roots & Shoots efforts include establishing bird sanctuaries, growing medicinal plants, and addressing environmental concerns through the arts.
"They are our hope for the future," Goodall says of both the programs and our youth.
As a child, she was captivated by words in books such as "Tarzan."
"He had that awful wife Jane. She was such a wimp," Goodall says, grinning. "I would have made a much better mate for Tarzan."
Impact of Parents: Development Nurtured by Mother
But her mother has been her greatest inspiration. In "Reason for Hope," Goodall writes about the impact of Vanne Goodall's parenting choices on her life.
"I had a mother who not only tolerated, but also encouraged my passion for nature and animals and who, even more importantly, taught me to believe in myself."
Goodall shares fascinating tales about the woman who taught her the importance of returning earthworms to the wild when the 18-month-old child had taken them to bed. She never punished the inquisitive 4-year-old after she spent hours in a hen house discovering how chickens lay eggs, while police searched for her.
Instead, Vanne Goodall listened patiently to her daughter's triumphant words. "She saw the excitement in my eyes," Goodall explains.
It was her mother who chaperoned a wide-eyed 24-year-old on her first journey to Lake Tanganyika in GombeTanzania, where she met famed paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. Vanne Goodall died two years ago.
"But her spirit is all around me all the time," Goodall says. "She always said, 'If you don't give up Jane, you will find a way.'"
Parental Power: Answering the Question, "What are Values?"
It's a potent reminder of the life-long value of parent power.
Today, Goodall spends less time in Africa, but works tirelessly through the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) fostering environmental awareness and conservation through a variety of programs and worldwide lectures. She believes programs like Roots & Shoots offer the greatest hope for saving our planet.
"To change greed, we have to reach into people's hearts," she explains, "not by accusing and pointing fingers. We must present them with facts that help them understand gently."
After learning more about the Jane Goodall Institute's Chimpanzee Guardian Program, my son has decided to save $100 to help sponsor Gregoire, the oldest-living chimp in the Institute's santuary program.
Like Eric, who has cerebral palsy, Gregoire has survived life hardships with his spirit intact. Our donation will help protect the chimps' forest homes and educate local residents. It's one important way individuals, schools and families can support the dynamic environmental efforts of the Jane Goodall Institute.
Hope Can Unlock Path to Really Achieving Your Dreams
Goodall ended her lecture by inviting audience members to become "feathers on the eagle of hope." As people rushed the stage, the humanitarian spoke with a wheelchair user proudly displaying a toy chimp. As the two women interacted, I recalled my favorite quote from Reason for Hope.
"Words can enhance experience, but they can also take so much away. Once we have labeled the things around us, we do not bother to look at them so carefully."
Through word and deed, 68-year-old Jane Goodall gives us all reason for hope.
Judy Winter is an award-winning journalist and recipient of the Michigan Federated Chapters of the Council for Exceptional Children 2002 Exceptional Parent Award.