RIP Jane Goodall: 11 Quotes That Will Keep Her Spirit Alive Forever

On October 1, 2025, the world lost one of its most passionate voices for animals, nature, and the future of our planet. Dame Jane Goodall, whose pioneering work with chimpanzees transformed our understanding of what it means to be human, has passed away at age 91. We mourn deeply, and we also celebrate her relentless effort and dedication to science, compassion, and hope.

Below are 11 timeless quotes that capture her wisdom and courage. Each has been fact-checked against Jane’s institute pages, books, or reputable archives. Let them move you to care, to act, and to choose what kind of difference you want to make.

11 Inspiring Quotes by Jane Goodall

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

“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.”

“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”

“Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.”

“Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you do not believe is right.”

“We can have a world of peace. We can move toward a world where we live in harmony with nature. No matter what nation we come from. No matter what our religion. No matter what our culture.”

“Fortunately, nature is amazingly resilient. Places we have destroyed, given time and help, can once again support life.”

“Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.”

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

“Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long as your values do not change.”

“My mission is to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature. And can I do that alone? No.”

Thank You, Jane

Rest in peace, Dr. Jane Goodall. Thank you for a lifetime of tireless advocacy, scientific breakthroughs, and unwavering hope. Your words and your work continue to inspire millions to protect animals, forests, and our shared future.

You might also like our article on “Restoring Wildlife Populations Could Help Us Reach 95% of Our Climate Goals” on BrightVibes, where we explore how wild animals play a critical role in climate solutions.

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