October 10, 2025

Hope and inspiration from Dr. Jane Goodall: Famous quotes to guide you forward

Photo: Hugo van Lawick

As we remember Dr. Jane Goodall, and reflect on her remarkable legacy, we’re comforted knowing that she leaves behind many impactful and inspiring messages. Her famous quotes and years of wisdom can help guide us through the difficult times we face.

Here are some that we’re finding helpful – and we think you will, too.

For when you need hope:

“Hope is contagious. Your actions will inspire others.”

“Hope does not deny evil, but is a response to it.”

“Hope is what enables us to keep going in the face of adversity. It is what we desire to happen, but we must be prepared to work hard to make it so.”

For when you head outdoors to appreciate the natural world:

“The best days of my life were when I could spend hours in the rainforest and learn how everything is interconnected in this wonderful tapestry of life.”

For when you need to be reminded that you can make a difference:

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

For when you’re working with young leaders and aspiring scientists:

“Young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize that what they do truly makes a difference, can indeed change the world.”

“Isn’t that the making of a little scientist? Curiosity, asking questions, not getting the right answer, deciding to find out for yourself, making a mistake and not giving up and learning patience.”

For when things feel the toughest:

“Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”

For when you need inspiration to keep protecting animals:

“Surely, we do not want to live in a world without the great apes, our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom? A world where we can no longer marvel at the magnificent flight of bald eagles or hear the howl of wolves under the moon? A world not enhanced by the sight of a grizzly bear and her cubs hunting for berries in the wilderness? What would our grandchildren think if these magical images were only to be found in books?”

For when you’re worried about our planet:

“There is hope in the resilience of nature, her ability to repair the wounds we have inflicted.”

For when you want to inspire someone to take action:

“We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place – or not to bother.”

For perseverance:

Dr. Jane’s mother, Vanne Morris Goodall, was always supportive of her dreams and gave her this advice: “If you really want something, you’re going to have to work hard, you’ll have to take advantage of every opportunity, but don’t give up.”

We hope that these words bring you comfort and guidance as, together, we continue her movement of hope through action.

Dr. Jane built this work to outlast her, and she built it with you. We still have work to do, so let’s honour her legacy by taking action. By making choices that show we care for animals, people, and our environment. And by sharing our knowledge and encouraging others to do their bit.

Want to read more quotes from Dr. Jane? Read more inspiring quotes here.