Speakers Jane Goodall: Primatologist; environmentalist
Jane Goodall, dubbed by her biographer "the woman who redefined man," has changed our perceptions of primates, people, and the connection between the two. Over the past 45 years, Goodall herself has also evolved -- from steadfast scientist to passionate conservationist and humanitarian.
Why you should listen to her:
Jane Goodall hasn't exactly found the missing link, but she's come closer than just about anyone else on Earth. Her extensive research into the behavior of chimpanzees, which started in Africa in the 1960s and continues today, fundamentally altered scientific thinking about the relationship between humans and other mammals.
Goodall, who founded a research institute in her name in 1977, is an internationally recognized authority on the primate world. She's written books for adults and children, contributed to documentaries, and serves as a National Geographic explorer-in-residence, a United Nations peace messenger, and the president of Advocates for Animals. For her efforts to observe and preserve all species, Goodall has received honors and accolades from governments, nonprofits, universities, and professional organizations, including a medal from UNESCO and the French Legion of Honor in 2006.
"Goodall's detailed, engaging descriptions of chimpanzee society transformed our notions of what it means to be a primate -- and what it means to be human."Sierra Magazine
Quotes by Jane Goodall
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“Chimpanzees, more than any other living creature, have helped us to understand that there is no sharp line between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. It’s a very blurry line, and it’s getting more blurry all the time.”
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“Here we are, arguably the most intelligent being that’s ever walked planet Earth, with this extraordinary brain … and yet we’re destroying the only home we have.”
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“In chimpanzee society, we find many, many examples of compassion, precursors to love and true altruism.”
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Jane Goodall: What separates us from chimpanzees?
- 27:25 Posted: Apr 2007
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Jane Goodall helps humans and animals live together
- 23:46 Posted: Sep 2008
Jane Goodall on the Web
Related Speakers
Conferences
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- TED2003
- TEDGlobal 2007