Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

In this rich and rewarding autobiographical journey - from infant to wizened woman in her sixth decade - Jane Goodall shares her life-defining experiences including her mentorship by Louis Leakey, the observations of chimpanzees that made her famous, and her significant relationships. The reader is right there with her through learning experiences and personal struggles and may be surprised to know about the difficulties and sacrifices even the lucky, gifted and famous have to make. Jane Goodall frequently calls on her grandmother's favorite scripture for comfort in inclement times, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Goodall's accounts and insightful realizations give courage and perspective for dealing with the hardship and obstacles in our own lives.One of the things I value most about this book is that Goodall addresses ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation. Most scientists do not publicly discuss these larger ethical dilemmas or they sometimes engage in them but lose perspective in balancing human needs with those of other living creatures. Jane Goodall is not only willing and able to discuss these complex dimensions, but the outcome is helpful and thought-provoking.If I were a professor in any of the sciences (esp. biology, genetics, and environmental studies) or ethics, I would leap at the opportunity to make this required reading. In her broad and clear way, Jane Goodall touches on many of the key issues and interrelations that scientists (budding or established) need to be aware of but will not find in a science textbook. We, as students and concerned individuals, need to know about the Jane Goodalls, Rosalind Franklins, and Einsteins in addition to the Watsons and Cricks so we can visualize the full range of options for how we live and the kind of science we do.Some people have been lucky enough to know all along that they can have both their science and their religion (in some religions, the harmony of science and religion are explicit, such as in the Baha'i Faith), their compassion and a keen desire for intellectual investigation, scientific research and problem solving. Goodall is one of these people, and it is wonderful to have a respected thinker like her showing that the two seemingly dichotomous realities can blend harmoniously and that it is not always inappropriate for a scientist to also be civically active. Of course, some level of detachment and impartiality must be maintained in scientific research, but this other element of human compassion and civic responsibility needs to be increasingly recognized, emphasized, and cultivated.While Goodall's periodic discussions of spirituality and ethics may seem unusual subject matter for many traditional science environments, scientists and students will appreciate the opportunity this book offers to broach these subjects in a planned and meaningful way. There is something unthreatening and inclusive in the way Goodall finds value in religious traditions beyond her own, and this feature makes "Reason for Hope" an especially good candidate for required reading in academia. In contrast to books like "The Double Helix," Goodall's sensitivity and same-era research into another genetics-related area provide a needed counterpoint to the attitudes of competition and exclusion that characterized the discovery of DNA. Different models of scientific exploration, different kinds of scientist. Both will be encountered, and both are important to know about.Readers of all ages can find a hero and a role model in Jane Goodall. Her books for young adults and children have inspired me even as a 23 year old, and I have since given copies of "My Life with the Chimpanzees" as gifts to children as young as 9. Jane Goodall is a remarkable human being with heart, compassion, strong communication skills, and unflagging commitment to chimp research, improving the lot of humans, animals, and all of the life on our planet. The vision and persistence she lends to those tasks are making a wide impact, not only on Westerners, but also on African children and communities at multiple socio-economic levels. People who are working to make a difference are among Goodall's "reasons for hope," the sincere, caring and visionary Yous and Mes of all countries and backgrounds.Goodall's fresh perspectives illumine things I already knew about and reveal many things I did not know before. Her beautiful command of the English language, vivid descriptions and compelling viewpoints will appeal to the artist, nature-lover, and poet and her sincere spirit speaks poignantly to further engage and delight the rest of us. Female scientists and concerned citizens will be among the most appreciative audience.I read "Reason for Hope" in one long sitting -- only interrupted by dinner on this Thanksgiving eve. It felt as though Jane Goodall had taken the time to have a powerful, absorbing, and stimulating conversation with me the reader. I say conversation because going with her on her life's journey caused me to reflect simultaneously on my own. She realized her most cherished childhood dreams. Can we all? For Jane Goodall's gift of time and energy, I feel honored and grateful. She has this effect, and because of this valuable "conversation," I feel more dedicated to my own path of service to humanity. I highly recommend this book to anyone.By the way ... don't miss the breathtaking color photograph on the inside front cover!

Having heard a lot about Jane Goodall and her work, along with several excerpts from her various writings, I wanted to read one of her books. I decided to start with this book because it seemed to be iconic of much of her work and summarized her life path that led her to where she is now. In general, I did enjoy the book, though there were some areas that felt like red herrings that didn't seem to fit into the larger picture. Goodall's style of writing in this book is very personal and sentimental. Rather than a commentary on external world events and environmentalism, this book reads more like an autobiography about a girl growing into womanhood. Goodall occasionally departs from the main storyline and seems to make defensive arguments concerning some of her past choices. Although these are meant to dispute past criticisms, I felt they were an unnecessary distraction, particularly because I did not agree with many of the past criticisms. Goodall tends to romanticize a great deal of her experiences and I did enjoy this for the most part, especially in her vivid descriptions of the jungle trails and interactions with wildlife. Some parts of the book read like a stream of consciousness as Goodall brings us into not only her hopes and dreams, but also her personal concerns, including some anxieties that would make anyone feel a bit neurotic, especially in social situations. This is really a personal history about Jane and her own life experiences, including her challenges and emotional responses to many of the events in her life, both positive and negative. It is a great history of the person, though for someone seeking a book about that person's work, I would look elsewhere.

It's a very sweet book about a very caring person that has done so much for so many. The book gives a lot of insight into her remarkable life and the many lives of the chimpanzees she has known and loved over the years. She is a strong, courageous woman with a beautiful heart. I am not as hopeful as she seems to be, but I do still hope she is right and I am wrong. It is a very uplifting read.

I was not 100% sure what to expect on the spiritual side from Jane Goodall, but she is very open in this book and I loved it. Was hard to put down once I got started.

I loved the first 2/3 of this, the experiences of her young life, the initial wonder of arriving in Africa, and eventually of meeting the Chimpanzees. Such beauty and communion with nature, it was magical to read. The last 1/3 was much harder, it’s about climate change and species destruction and her reasons for hope, as the title says. However her reasons for hope seem sadly like opportunities missed reading this now in 2021, 21 yrs after publication.

Are you confused and appalled by current events? As one who is trying to seek peace with understanding, this book is a vital source of renewed purpose. Jane Goodall has shared a spiritual journey that makes complete sense. What's more, she offers a path forward with unwavering clarity. Please read this book.

This woman is such an inspiration. I would recommend every person read this book to learn more about compassion to animals and saving our planet!! I bow to you Jane Goodall and say thank you for all you have done!!

I knew who she is, her life among the wild chimpanzees of Gombe, but I had no idea of the depths of her self perception, of her spiritual vision. A magnificent read.

Jane writes from the heart. She feels deeply about the animals she encounters and shares everything she finds, good and bad, about them.The same goes for her personal life and her thoughts and ideas about the environment, and what we are doing to the world.But the underlying message comes through loud and clear...that one person can make a difference and that person can be you!

When I bought it I didn't realise that it was about christianity. I thought it would of been more about her personal journey (silly me). I'm not religious so I didn't get past the 2nd chapter as it just didn't resignate with me.

I adore anything by Ms Goodall and this is no exception. what a life she has led. Weshould embrace her to the same level that Attenborough is loved by our nation - such is her contribution to our understanding of primates.

What an incredible woman, and what an inspiring humbling read. I have ordered one for my mum, a perfect read for her during lockdown. I hope enough people will come out of this with changed hearts and we can begin to slowly build a new world.

20 years on from Jane writing this book it is a very timely reminder of the rate at which we humans deplete and destroy our beautiful planet. Jane challenges us to review our own choices and the way we treat nature and animals in in a heartfelt, straightforward, lucid and objective way. This book is addressed to each and everyone of us.