THE GIRL WITHOUT A DEGREE — WHO CHANGED SCIENCE FOREVER 

In 1960, in the heart of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, a young woman with no scientific degree, no official permission, and only a notebook in hand made history. At just 26 years old, Jane Goodall embarked on an adventure that would forever change our understanding of science and our connection to the animal world.

Without the formal training that most scientists believed was essential, Jane ventured into the wild, driven by a simple belief: that animals have feelings. Her mission was to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and what she discovered was nothing short of revolutionary.

One day, she watched a chimpanzee use a twig to fish for termites — a behavior previously thought to be exclusive to humans. This small moment shifted the trajectory of scientific thought. It proved that animals were capable of using tools, a discovery that shattered the longstanding belief that humans alone were “tool-makers.” But Jane didn’t stop there. Through her observations, she revealed that chimpanzees, like humans, feel emotions such as love, grief, and joy. They form deep social bonds, experience heartbreak, and, as Jane herself famously said, “You cannot share your life with animals and not know they have feelings.”

At the time, her findings were met with skepticism and even ridicule. She was criticized for being “too soft,” “too feminine,” and for “anthropomorphizing” — attributing human traits to animals. Yet, Jane never gave up. Her courage, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the dignity and emotions of animals made her a trailblazer in primatology, despite the challenges she faced.

Today, nearly 90 years old, Dr. Jane Goodall is still a force for change. Her work has reshaped science, reminding us that the gap between humans and animals is much smaller than we once thought. She continues to travel the world, advocating for the protection of wildlife and the environment. Her message is simple yet profound: “The Earth is not ours to dominate — it’s ours to protect.”

Through her pioneering research and tireless advocacy, Jane Goodall has shown us that compassion, understanding, and respect for all living beings are the keys to a better world. And her legacy serves as a reminder that sometimes, one person’s belief in the power of empathy can change the course of history.