Dr. Jane Goodall

when I was in gomi particularly I felt very very close to a great spiritual [Music] power if we think of the Bible it would be in which we live and move and have our being and I felt this this spiritual power in every living thing we call it our soul well if we have a soul then that spark of energy is in chimpanzees they have souls even though most people wouldn't talk about it that way and the trees they have a soul too they've got a spark of that Divine [Music] energy it was in gomi that I began to really think about the spiritual nature of of

Life on this planet when you're out in nature if you're just completely calm you know I did I was a bit scared when I met a leopard I have to admit but I it didn't for a moment make me think oh I'm going to leave no cuz the leopard didn't do anything to me I I just felt nothing would happen to me because I was meant to be there and I felt this about other times in my life the most important part of being in the rainforest is the understanding of the interconnection how every little species has a role to play and I like to think of this tapestry of life in the forest I think okay this little species disappears a thread is removed from the tapestry and then this species goes and another thread is removed and if too many species go from this ecosystem the whole ecosystem May collapse because the

tapestry is in tatters and we depend on healthy ecosystems there such magic out in the forest and it it just is a feeling of spirituality that this you know it's something so so powerful and so much beyond what what even the most scientific brilliant brain could have created this is my grandfather I never met him but he just looks wonderful to me he looks wonderful I think it's very difficult to determine the different parts of who you are where it came from it's a mixture of genes and environment and experience I think so I was brought up in a very very caring family I had an amazing mother supportive mother and when I was very

tiny I loved animals when I went to stay on a farm in the country I was given the job of helping to collect the hen's eggs apparently I began asking everyone but where's the hole where does the egg come out of the hen cuz I couldn't see a hole like that well nobody SA IED my curiosity so I went into an empty Hen House and waited I waited at least 4 hours I can still see the hen laying that egg if I close my eyes she's right there in front of me and I don't know who was more excited me or the [Music] hen and so it's the making of a little scientist curiosity asking questions not getting the right answer deciding to find out feel yourself making a mistake not giving up and learning patience it was all there in that little 4 and 1 half Yee old child and a different kind of mother might have crushed that scientific curiosity I might not have done what I've

done when I left the Beloved forests of gomi and the chimpanzees because I realized that the forests were being destroyed and chimpanzee numbers were decreasing I knew I had to do something and somehow I was guided in a way to do what I [Music] did my students [Music] it's very important that young people learn that you can't just care for the

environment uh you need to care for people too because you can't set seate them as I speak now in different parts of the world there are young people they've rolled up their sleeves and they're out there clearing litter planting trees raising money for good causes volunteering in shelters volunteering in soup kitchens changing the attitude of their parents so roots and shoots his hope hundreds and thousands millions of young people the roots and the shs can break through and make a better world [Music] and here is my studio from where I reach out to the world well for me I have never been as busy in my whole life you know when I first was grounded as I call it I

happened luckily to be at home in Bournemouth and I was really frustrated I was angry because you know I was used to traveling 300 days a year around the world and then I thought well there's no point being angry I'm here so we have to make the best of it since then every single day it's been zooms and Skypes and podcasts and webinars and all these other things I think the most important part about this is that I have been able to reach these millions more people in many more countries than I could possibly have reached if I was traveling I just feel it was meant to be you know I just turned 87 so I'm now in my 88th year so I don't know how much longer I have left so it's good to be able to use these months when I'm still fighting fit so to speak um to the best Advantage I can I'm not sure how my feeling of spirituality um has guided my work but

it it's really more a feeling of this is what I meant to be doing this is what I'm here for uh my life has a meaning I was a very shy child all I wanted to do was go and live in that jungle and write books about animals I didn't want anything else I didn't even want to be a scientist and then I had to give talks and things like that but you know especially now I'm here where I grew up with the family I mean I'm still at the same same Jane I was and I don't understand what's happened to why do people listen why do thousands of people come to lectures I don't [Music] know the world is so full of magic and surprises and I think when people say oh science can describe it all you know you don't need to go to any intelligence behind the universe science we have all the answers and after all it's been Pro

that the Universe began with the big bang well yeah I'm sure it did but what created the big bang you cannot say you everything's explained because of the Big Bang you've got to then say now I want you to explain the big bang and they can't so I like to keep an open mind and I and I like I like to think of magic and I don't want us to find out all the answers you know and I love that little phrase in the Bible now we see through through a glass Darkly then face to face so one day we will learn the answers but not on this [Music] planet

Summary

The video presents a reflective and insightful narrative centered on the spiritual connection with nature, the importance of environmental conservation, the role of curiosity in scientific discovery, and the enduring sense of purpose in life’s work. The speaker, who appears to be a seasoned naturalist and educator, shares personal experiences and philosophical reflections about the interconnection of all living beings, the spiritual essence within nature, and the responsibility of humanity—especially younger generations—to protect the environment and cultivate compassion.

Key Themes and Insights

• Spiritual Connection to Nature
  The speaker describes a profound spiritual experience in the Gomi rainforest, feeling a powerful, divine energy present in all living things, including animals like chimpanzees and even trees. This spiritual essence is referred to as the "soul" or a "spark of Divine energy," suggesting a universal life force that permeates nature. The rainforest is portrayed not just as a physical ecosystem but as a living tapestry, where every species plays an essential role.

• Interdependence and Ecosystem Fragility
  The speaker emphasizes the delicate balance of ecosystems, likening biodiversity to a tapestry with threads representing different species. The loss of any species weakens the fabric, and if too many threads are lost, the entire ecosystem could collapse. This metaphor underscores the critical importance of biodiversity for ecosystem health and human survival.

• Curiosity and Early Scientific Inclinations
  Recounting childhood experiences on a farm, the speaker illustrates the roots of scientific inquiry: curiosity, questioning, patience, and persistence. An anecdote about watching a hen lay an egg reflects the natural curiosity and determination foundational to scientific discovery and learning.

• Environmental Responsibility and Activism
  Motivated by witnessing the destruction of forests and declining chimpanzee populations, the speaker felt compelled to act. There is a strong emphasis on educating young people about caring for both the environment and humanity, recognizing that the two are interconnected. The speaker highlights youth involvement worldwide through initiatives such as Roots & Shoots, inspiring millions of young people to actively contribute to environmental and social causes.

• Adaptation and Outreach in Later Life
  Now in their late 80s, the speaker describes a shift from global travel to digital communication platforms (Zoom, Skype, podcasts) as a means to reach a broader audience. Despite the limitations of age and mobility, this new mode of engagement allows the speaker to continue influencing and inspiring millions globally.

• Philosophical Reflections on Science and Mystery
  The speaker maintains an open-minded stance toward the mysteries of the universe. While acknowledging scientific explanations such as the Big Bang, they challenge the notion that science can answer all questions, especially concerning the origin of the Big Bang itself. There is an expressed appreciation for mystery and "magic" as vital components of human understanding, resonating with the biblical notion of seeing "through a glass darkly"—implying that ultimate knowledge remains beyond current reach.

Chronological Highlights Timeline

Period/Context	Event/Experience	Key Insight/Outcome
Early Childhood	Raised in a caring family; curiosity sparked by farm life; watched a hen lay an egg for hours	Early development of scientific curiosity, patience, and persistence
Time in Gomi Rainforest	Felt a deep spiritual connection to all living things; observed leopard without fear	Realization of spiritual life force in nature; importance of coexistence
Environmental Crisis Period	Witnessed destruction of forests and decline in chimpanzee populations	Motivated to take action for conservation
Roots & Shoots Initiative	Focus on educating youth to care for environment and people; global youth activism	Empowerment of young people as agents of change
Later Life (age 87-88)	Transition from travel to digital outreach; engaged in webinars, podcasts, and global communication	Increased reach and influence despite physical limitations
Philosophical Reflection	Open-mindedness about science and spirituality; appreciation for unanswered questions and mystery	Acceptance of limits of scientific knowledge; embrace of wonder

Definitions and Concepts

Term/Concept	Definition/Explanation
Spiritual Power	Described as a divine energy or soul present in all living beings, including animals and plants
Soul	The spark of life or divine energy that animates living things
Ecosystem Tapestry	A metaphor for biodiversity where each species is a thread; loss of species weakens the ecosystem
Roots & Shoots	A youth-led global environmental and social empowerment program encouraging active participation
Big Bang	The scientific theory explaining the origin of the universe; questioned as insufficient to explain origins fully
"Through a Glass Darkly"	Biblical phrase implying limited human understanding of ultimate truths, suggesting mystery remains

Bulleted Summary of Key Points

• The speaker experienced a profound spiritual connection to nature in the Gomi rainforest, sensing a universal life force or soul in all creatures and plants.
• Nature is conceptualized as an interconnected tapestry, where each species plays a crucial role; losing species threatens the entire ecosystem’s integrity.
• Childhood curiosity, exemplified by the persistence in understanding how hens lay eggs, laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for science and discovery.
• Environmental degradation, especially deforestation and declining chimpanzee populations, motivated the speaker to pursue active conservation efforts.
• The speaker stresses that caring for the environment and people must go hand in hand, highlighting the role of youth activism through programs like Roots & Shoots.
• Despite aging and restricted mobility, the speaker has adapted by utilizing digital technology to reach millions worldwide, expanding their impact beyond physical travel.
• The speaker maintains a balanced view of science and spirituality, recognizing the limits of scientific explanation and valuing mystery and wonder as essential.
• The biblical metaphor of seeing "through a glass darkly" is used to express humility about human knowledge and an openness to future revelations.

Core Messages

• Nature is sacred and imbued with spiritual energy, deserving respect and protection.
• Biodiversity and ecosystem health are vital to planetary and human well-being, and their loss has cascading consequences.
• Curiosity and persistence are fundamental to scientific inquiry and personal growth.
• Youth are critical agents of change in environmental and social issues, and education must nurture their involvement.
• Adapting to changing circumstances, including aging, requires embracing new modes of communication and outreach.
• Science and spirituality are complementary ways of understanding the universe, and mystery remains a vital part of human experience.

Conclusion

The video delivers a heartfelt and inspiring message about the intersection of spirituality, science, and environmental stewardship. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, the speaker invites viewers to recognize the sacredness of life, the urgency of conservation, and the importance of nurturing curiosity and youth activism. The enduring sense of purpose and adaptability expressed by the speaker serves as a powerful example of lifelong commitment to making a positive impact on the world.