"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
About Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is a renowned primatologist and conservationist whose pioneering research on chimpanzees has profoundly changed our understanding of animal behavior and conservation. Her work in Gombe Stream National Park revealed the complex social structures and emotional lives of these primates, challenging the long-held belief that humans are unique in their capacity for emotion and social interaction. One of her most impactful quotes, 'What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make,' encapsulates her belief in individual agency and responsibility in conservation efforts. Goodall's philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of all living beings and the urgent need to protect the environment. She often emphasizes the importance of empathy and respect for nature, as seen in her statement, 'The greatest danger to our future is apathy.' This reflects her view that a lack of action towards environmental issues can lead to dire consequences for both humanity and the planet. Today, her quotes resonate with those advocating for climate action and animal rights, as they inspire individuals to take meaningful steps towards sustainability. Goodall's legacy continues to influence generations, reminding us that our choices matter and that we can all contribute to a healthier planet.
Quote collection
283 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference."
"You aren't going to save the world on your own. But you might inspire a generation of kids to save it for all of us. You would be amazed at what inspired children can do."
"Chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutan shave been living for hundreds of thousands of years in their forest,living fantastic lives, never overpopulating, never destroying the forest. I would say that they have been in a way more successful than us as far as being in harmony with the environment."
"Empathy is really important.. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential."
"Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love."
"Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved."
"If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way.. Follow your Dreams."
"To me, cruelty is the worst of human sins. Once we accept that a living creature has feelings and suffers pain, then by knowingly and deliberately inflicting suffering on that creature, we are guilty, whether it be human or animal."
"For those who have experienced the joy of being alone with nature there is really little need for me to say much more; for those who have not, no words of mine can ever describe the powerful, almost mystical knowledge of beauty and eternity that come, suddenly, and all unexpected."
"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."
"Above all we must realize that each of us makes a difference with our life. Each of us impacts the world around us every single day. We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place - or not to bother"
"Your life matters. You can't live through a day without making an impact on the world. And what's most important is to think about the impact of your actions on the world around you."
"The greatest danger to our future is apathy."
"Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other."
"Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don't believe is right."
"If we kill off the wild, then we are killing a part of our souls."
"Farm animals are far more aware and intelligent than we ever imagined and, despite having been bred as domestic slaves, they are individual beings in their own right. As such, they deserve our respect. And our help. Who will plead for them if we are silent? Thousands of people who say they ‘love’ animals sit down once or twice a day to enjoy the flesh of creatures who have been treated so with little respect and kindness just to make more meat."
"I had a wonderful teacher about animal behavior - my dog Rusty. He taught me that animals have personalities, minds, and feelings."
"We are beginning to learn that each animal has a life and a place and a role in this world. If we place compassion and care in the middle of all our dealings with the animal world and honor and respect their lives, our attitudes will change."