Jane Goodall, 85, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, discusses her move to activism to combat environmental crises.

Q

You started doing your research in a way that was roundly mocked at the time, giving the chimpanzees names and attributing personalities. How did you have the strength of conviction to know what you were doing made sense?

A

I had wise teachers when I was a child. My dog taught me we weren’t the only beings with personality, mind and emotion. My mother taught me: If you meet somebody with a different opinion, listen to what they have to say and maybe understand a little bit better why they think the way they think.

Q

Can you talk about your transition from scientist to activist?

A

I’m travelling around the world now, trying to tell people that unless we all get together to help the environment we share, it may be too late. It’s not enough to wave placards. The point is to do your bit. There was a boy in Burundi. He was seven. I talked at his school. He came up to me afterward and said, “If I pick up a piece of litter every day, I’ll make a difference, won’t I?” I said, “Yes. You’ll make a huge difference.” And I said, “Well, suppose you persuade 10 of your friends to do the same?” He said, “Wow. That would really make a difference.” And I said, “Then each of your 10 friends could choose 10 friends.” He said, “Hoo. We’d change everything.” My job now is to try to help people understand (that) cumulatively, wise choices in how we act each day can begin to change the world. Being angry and pointing fingers won’t get anywhere. You have to reach people’s hearts. And the best way is to tell stories.

Q

Do you think that’s why you’ve been effective at working with people on different sides of issues?

A

After the war, I had an uncle who was in Germany, and he found a family I could live with, because Mum wanted me to understand that just because the Nazis and Hitler did terrible things, Germans weren’t bad people. That was amazingly wise of her, wasn’t it? If you watch two people begin talking from opposing sides, and one gets a little finger-pointy, you can see the eyes of the other one turning in. And they get more aggressive, and nothing’s accomplished.