Ms. Smarty Pants Know It All

Jane Goodall sets out to do three things in this book. First, the work serves as a condensed but very useful autobiography. Second, she sets down her life philosophies and why she does what she does. And finally, she traces her spiritual and religious development because that feeds into the first two.

I had no idea that she worked with Louis Leakey before he was famous. I thought he sent her into the forests because no one else had wanted to go. The real story is so much more interesting.

Part of what makes Jane Goodall so fascinating is the difference between her physical appearance and demeanor versus our own expectations of what someone who does what she does should look and be like. But I think that’s where her power lies.

How can someone so slender, soft-spoken, and serene be the friend and advocate of the wild, loud, and uncontrolled chimpanzees? That difference compels people to listen and change their understandings.

As I’ve seen her through the years, I admit I’ve wondered where her energy comes from. I’ve worried over her schedule because I know there’s no way that I could keep it.

Apparently a lot of other people have similar thoughts because she addresses these questions in the book. And she addresses them well.

Elements that would have had me rolling my eyes elsewhere, such as the recounting of a moment of religious rapture in Notre Dame with Bach providing the soundtrack, held me engaged here. I have no doubts about her sincerity and appreciate that she’s not evangelizing her personal views.

She’s merely explaining the experiences and motivations that contributed to her development as a person and consequently drives her work as well.

Lest you think her a religious zealot of any kind, she doesn’t hesitate at all when blending her personal lessons with the more faith-based lessons of her youth. Evolution and reincarnation are there alongside the Christian God.

This was truly an inspiring listen. Sure I’ve been trying to better towards the environment, but this is the first time that I’m really thinking about the details. I’m paying attention to the types of animal meat I buy (can’t go vegetarian yet) and being more aware of my daily actions.

I don’t have my answers yet on how I want to change my life, but I can certainly contribute more to her reasons for hope.

Audiobook Challenge status: nine completed, three to go.

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