[FON English Study1]-“This I Believe” by Jane Goodall

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“This I Believe” by Jane Goodall

“When I was small and dreaming of going to Africa because I was in love with Tarzan, I was jealous of Tarzan’s Jane. I thought she was a wimp and I’d have made a much better mate for Tarzan myself. I wanted to go to Africa and live with animals and write books about them. My mother used to say to me “Jane, if you really want something, and if you really work hard, if you take advantage of the opportunities and if you never give up: you’ll find a way.”



I believe that the study of chimpanzees, while it has taught us a great deal about the place of Chimpanzees in nature, has taught us an equal amount about humans’ place in nature. It’s made us a little humble. It’s certainly made me a little humble because I realize that humans are not the only rational thinking beings on the planet. And that we’re not the only creatures capable of altruism and self-sacrifice. Chimpanzees differ from us genetically in the structure of the DNA by only just over 1%. Chimps can reason, solve problems. They have some idea of the future. And they make plans, and perhaps most importantly are the similarities in the express of emotions. Chimpanzees are so like us that they blur the line once perceived as so sharp between humans on one side and non-human’s on the other. And that leads us to a new respect for all the other amazing non-human beings we share the planet with.



When I suddenly realized the plight of chimpanzees around the world, both in the wild and in captivity, I knew that I must leave my forest paradise – although I do believe I keep some of it inside, the peace of the forest – and travel around the world and try to raise people’s awareness. Not only about the plight of chimpanzees but about the plight of the poor old planet, and ways in which we as human’s need to change to live in greater harmony with the planet. And to try to make people realize what they do as individuals truly makes a difference. I believe very strongly that it’s desperately important that children be taught to be respectful of all life.



I believe that the most important message to all humanity is that every single individual matters, including non-humans. Every single one of us has a role to play in this life. And every single one of us can make a difference. This I believe.”





QUESTIONS:

1.   What cartoon character did Jane Goodall mention she doesn’t like?_______________

2.   Did her mother support her dreams of going to Africa?_______________________

3.   List three things chimpanzees and humans have in common:

1._________________________________________________________________

2._________________________________________________________________

3._________________________________________________________________

4.   What does Jane Goodall so strongly believe?________________________________