Jane Goodall: The Gentle Revolutionary Whose Research with Chimpanzees Redefined What It Means to Be Human

Anyone aiming to offer a masterclass on how to change the world for the better without becoming negative, cynical, angry, or small-minded in the process could model their advice on the life and work of Jane Goodall, a pioneer in the study of animal behavior. Goodall’s life journey extends from admiring somewhat common creatures – although she never called them that – in her backyard in England as a wide-eyed little girl in the 1930s to challenging the very definition of what it means to be human through her research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. From there, she became a global icon and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Until her death on October 1, 2025, at 91 years old, Goodall maintained the charm, open-mindedness, optimism, and wide-eyed wonder more typical of children. I know this because I was fortunate to spend time with her and share insights from my own scientific career. To the public, she was a world-renowned scientist and an icon. To me, she was Jane, my mentor, and inspirational friend.