Jane Goodall’s Legacy of Bringing Empathy into Science

Jane Goodall brought a crucial, grounding touch of empathy into the common scientific method of her time. She singlehandedly steered science into the morally correct direction and helped science flourish beyond its limits without losing its rigour.

Previously, scientists had held an extremely narrow view of what is science, and what it is not. Propelled by their goal of avoiding bias, they knew not to name their subjects—only number them. However, in trying so hard to remove bias from their process, many scientists lost sight of why science is done in the first place: to discover the truth.

At the time, we assumed that humans were the only species on Earth to possess the ability to cultivate complex, dynamic societies. We mistakenly believed we were far more intelligent than all other natural creations, wildlife and animals, when in reality, we are simply another part of nature.

In fact, Goodall unearthed a groundbreaking truth: animals have higher-level, socially and emotionally intelligent processes and societies, too.

Perhaps Goodall’s most everlasting legacy is how she brought crucial, evidence-based empathy into science and filtered light on the truth of our world. She acted on a fundamental, pure curiosity to learn more about these beautiful creatures, who are so strikingly similar to us in evolution and genetics, and stepped gently into their world.

This was how she began to revolutionize our understanding of our closest primate friends. This was how she showed the rest of the world, that we can bring about change with authentic empathy and nonjudgmental curiosity. This was how she exemplified the powerful, positive changes that one single individual can forge with courage and drive.

“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Dr. Jane Goodall

This video by Hank Green summarizes Jane Goodall as not only an empathetic, effective communicator, advocate, and environmental conservationist, but also a pioneer in the vast, ever-important field of science. She has been my role model since middle school and will forever remain in my memory. Rest in Peace🕊