A year ago today, Jane Goodall died at 91. Her message is more important than ever

A year has passed since we bid farewell to the extraordinary Jane Goodall, who departed at the venerable age of 91. Her legacy resonates with renewed significance in our current times. While it is difficult to fathom her absence, it is impossible not to acknowledge the profound impact she had on our world.

Jane was more than just an icon to me; she was a cherished friend and mentor. Our bond began in an unconventional manner – through an email that opened with the words, “Yes, this is the real Jane Goodall,” followed by a request that I not divulge her “secret email address.” It was this genuine approach that set the tone for our thirteen years of shared laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations.

These moments often unfolded late into the night, over vegan Indian food and a glass of whisky in her hotel room – an environment she found conducive to candid discussions.

What truly distinguished Jane was her unparalleled ability to make every encounter feel deeply personal. When she first met my children, her demeanor transformed, radiating warmth as if she had awaited their presence their entire life. She lowered herself to their level, regaled them with captivating stories, and even played videos of rats performing remarkable tricks on YouTube.

With the same awe she once exhibited for the chimpanzees of Gombe, she marveled at their clever abilities, declaring, “Aren’t they marvelous?” This unbridled enthusiasm was infectious.

Jane firmly believed that hope transcended mere emotion; it was a tool. She imparted this wisdom upon my son, encouraging him to use hope as a means of effecting change. In her view, the magnitude of a crisis only intensified feelings of powerlessness. Yet, Jane taught us that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, local actions could spark significant transformations. It was through small, localized efforts that hope was cultivated, empowering individuals to become agents of change.