by Isolde Hilt • translated by Kristin Frauenhoffer
Every now and then, I am asked if I have a role model. I never really knew how to answer that question. Each of us is unique, has one´s own path to follow and one´s own personal mission in life to discover. However, about six years ago, I gained a new perspective. I had managed to get a last-minute ticket for an event that was almost sold out. The Jane Goodall Institute Germany had invited guests to the Showpalast in Munich in honour of the famous primatologist and peace activist Dr Jane Goodall, who celebrated her 85th birthday in 2019.
Somewhere deep inside us, there must be something – the knowledge that we are all part of creation and not detached from one another. Every time Jane Goodall appeared in public, she greeted the audience in the language of chimpanzees. People listened spellbound to her every word. As if by magic, everyone felt what the world-renowned scientist experienced day after day and shared with them each time: ‘We are all human beings and connected to each other. The blood, the tears, the love – all of that is the same, worldwide.’
Jane Goodall has touched millions deeply and lastingly
From that day on, I saw Jane Goodall in a different light. Two years ago, our team at good news for you was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the first Day of Hope in Munich’s Werksviertel-Mitte district, initiated by the Otto Eckart Foundation and under the patronage of Dr Jane Goodall. On that day participants were invited to take a closer look at the UN’s 17 sustainability goals. Special attention was paid to the topics of nature, the environment and climate protection.
Then came the big moment in the afternoon when the famous patron took to the stage. I am still infinitely grateful today that Daniel from our team managed to capture Jane Goodall and what she had to say so well:
The day ended with an „Evening of Hope“ featuring Dr Jane Goodall. We were allowed to record her speech. You can find the spoken version in English here:
How I finally found a role model
Dr Jane Goodall helped me understand once again, or perhaps more deeply, that it is not about emulating someone else, but about following your own path and inner calling. Because although we have a lot in common, we are all unique, and that is exactly what is needed in the world right now. We need diversity, despite the fact that it has slightly fallen out of grace lately, if we want to overcome challenges, crises and conflicts. How can one opinion or a conviction alone fix anything, given this high level of complexity? Isn’t that what makes life so fascinating – exploring different aspects, experiences and insights? This is also the source of Jane Goodall’s extraordinary charisma. She has accepted her uniqueness and her calling with humility.
Growing discouragement in the face of global events is paralysing. The famous researcher and peace activist was often asked what one person could possibly still achieve in this situation. But she always gave hope: ‘Think locally. What can you do in your community? Every step counts. Every step gives strength, which leads to the next actions and also influences others.’
Thanks to her tireless commitment, seeds have grown into roots that continue to spread. One particularly impressive project is Roots and Shoots, Jane Goodall’s initiative for children and young people, which covers more than 10,000 groups in over 100 countries worldwide: „What matters is to build respect and compassion for all living things – humans and animals alike. It is important to establish an understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to be an inspiration to those who want to actively help build a better world for humans, animals and the environment. We must reach out to young people and educate them if we want to see change.“
Personally, what encourages me most is that ageing only imposes limits when we set them ourselves. Dr Jane Goodall probably did not think about this much. Until the end, at the age of 91, she pursued her mission, travelling around the world 300 days a year. She was on a lecture tour in California when she died of natural causes on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, according to the Jane Goodall Institute Germany.
Dear Jane, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we will keep going!
The standing ovation for you and your commitment, dear Jane, live on within us. It gives us strength to remember you and your life’s work and to keep it going. We accept your courage, your clarity and your encouragement to never give up hope as our legacy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done for us, for all living beings and for our planet!
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