Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey By Jane Goodall

"It is easy to be overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness as we look around the world. We are losing species at a terrible rate, the balance of nature is disturbed, and we are destroying our beautiful planet. We have fear about water supplies, where future energy will come from – and most recently the developed world has been mired in an economic crisis. But in spite of all this I do have hope " The novel that I read this summer was called Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey by Jane Goodall. In the first couple of chapters from the book, Jane speaks about her childhood and how it was then that she first knew that she loved animals and wanted to explore their world. From the moment that her father gave her a stuffed monkey teddy bear, Jane knew she was a fan. Back in Jane's days, there weren't any televisions so Jane spent her times outside exploring the forest with her sister, Judy.

In the novel Jane also talked about the people in her life that really helped and inspired her to do what she loved.She grew up in Europe Jane said many times that she was so lucky to have the family she did. From her mother, who did not stop her from exploring the backyards and her sister who always went with her on her forest adventures. Jane wasn't necessarily hooked on chimpanzees at that young age yet. She did however found joy and happiness in all creatures that she came across from the smallest ant to the birds flying up above her.

But Jane's 'life' did not really start until she got a letter in the mail from her friend. That friend sent a letter all the way from Africa , and in the letter she asked Jane if she'd like to come to Africa and meet her. After working hard for the money, Jane arrived in Nairobi , Africa. There Jane met with a man named Louis. Jane worked as Louis' secretary at a museum and he taught her all about the animals and the tribes . Finally Jane got the break she wanted and was asked by Louis and his wife to go camping and exploring in Olduvai. There Jane saw all the animals she ever dreamed of and more.

Later on Jane got another opportunity to travel to Gombe. Not only did she get to see the chimps but Jane's mother had come along with her !But it wasn't what Jane expected. She spent a very long time in Gombe without seeing any of the chimps she thought she would see but while wandering she came across some very noisy ones she was in awe. It was not until later that Jane got a first hand look at chimps and their interactions and just how similar they might be to man. It was one day when Jane was walking and she spotted a chimp that she called David.

One thing Jane always thought, was that the chimps were vegetarians but on this day she saw David using a stick to get termites from a hill. But when David realized that he couldn't get it, he went off to find a bigger chimp. Jane watched, amazed, as the two chimps pulled branches of a tree and pulled the leaves off. Almost as if they were making a tools to catch their dinner. Jane couldn't believe that these chimps had the knowledge to make tools like that.

Reason For Hope is related to biology especially because Jane gives her audience an insight on her journey through Africa. What Jane studies would be called Ethology; the study of animal behavior. She talks about all the animals that she comes across, the battle between belief and science, the landscapes, "greening" operations and even her belief that chimps have their own personalities and emotions just like us. Even the evolution and future of people was discussed in this novel. Jane speaks about how humans have to love mother nature for the planet to be healthy and how we as people are too self-centered. " Everywhere, it seemed, there were people suffering...And over and above all that, the very air and earth and water of our precious planet were being poisoned, the natural world-our only world- was being destroyed. Was there hope for the future?It seemed that our selfish greed ...was winning out over our longing for peace." (pg186)

Since this is a non-fiction novel, all the events in it are real experiences for Jane. Years later Jane founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). It is anon-profit organization that seeks to expand on Jane's humanitarian views and her brilliant work with animals. I feel like Jane has given others a clear cut view of just how similar we are to other animals, especially chimpanzees. Jane made alot of people realize that animals can be treated just like humans. Also Jane Goodall's work have also helped zoos and museums and aquariums. The treatment of animals.

Jane Goodall's life and experiences are both inspiring and remarkable. She has been so determined to do what she loves no matter what others may think or say. Anyone can tell that Jane loves what she does and many people can learn from her. Whether from her spiritual connection to God or her grandmother or simply her fascination, Jane has been through so many obstacles, and i can honestly say that this book was amazing. I hardly felt like i was reading a plain ole science novel but i felt as if i was watching a movie, where its informative but you don't really know it till its over. Overall I learned alot from this book.

SOURCES: http://www.janegoodall.org/

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/jane-goodalls-wild-chimpanzees/introduction/1908/