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A review by jessicareadsit
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall
3.0
In a world that seems so troubled, how do we hold on to hope?
The Book of Hope represents conversations between legendary primatologist Jane Goodall and author Douglas Abrams. I felt skeptical reading this as it is outside of my usual genres but I am happy that I did because it gave me a new outlook on life and how we treat ourselves, those around us, and most importantly, how we treat our home, not our brick and mortar residence but planet earth. If I am being quite honest, Ms. Goodall was spitting pure facts about how ignorant we as a people are to the perils of our actions. There was such a profound statement in the book that I am hoping will resonate with you when you read it, which is, “ Together we can change the world, but will we?”
Hearing such a legendary visionary give a definition to this innate feeling of hope as a survival trait was frightening but also inspiring. At that moment, hope resembled that feeling you get when you think the road is dark and insurmountable but then you remember tomorrow is another day and there is always light to welcome us.
As Jane discussed The Amazing Human Intellect she laments, “When I look at the world, I am in awe and wonder...we are destroying this world before we’ve even started understanding it. We think we are smarter than nature, but we are not. Our human intellect is amazing, but we must be humble and recognize that there is an even greater intelligence in nature.”
This segues into “The Resilience of Nature” or rather the perfect ideal of nature if not for human intervention. She rightfully places the blame of Climate change and the severe damages to the ecosystem on those who really deserve it- US. She describes nature as forgiving if only we can take the right steps to help it. She says it perfectly with this line, “not only are we part of the natural world, not only do we depend on it…...we need it. When we protect the ecosystems, we are protecting ourselves.”
“Everything is connected, your community is not just the people around but also the animals and plants, and the land itself."
I commend Jane for her inclusion of young people in the narrative and how she articulates the difference of perspectives between older and younger generations. She describes our younger people as having a deeper resonance with the world and the earth.
What I found most inspiring is Jane Goodall's unique and thought-provoking statements on the Indomitable Human Spirit, “ The quality in us that makes us tackle what seems impossible and never give up, despite the odds, despite the scorn or mocking. The grit and determination to overcome and the inner strength and courage to pursue a goal at any cost.” She likens this description to Martin Luther King who fought to end discrimination and inequality.
To Jane Goodall I say thank you, thank you for sharing your unique life experiences, for asking us as individuals to dig deeper and use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place, to believe in the transformative powers of togetherness, and also for my new way to end a meeting which is, “Together we can, Together we will!”
The Book of Hope represents conversations between legendary primatologist Jane Goodall and author Douglas Abrams. I felt skeptical reading this as it is outside of my usual genres but I am happy that I did because it gave me a new outlook on life and how we treat ourselves, those around us, and most importantly, how we treat our home, not our brick and mortar residence but planet earth. If I am being quite honest, Ms. Goodall was spitting pure facts about how ignorant we as a people are to the perils of our actions. There was such a profound statement in the book that I am hoping will resonate with you when you read it, which is, “ Together we can change the world, but will we?”
Hearing such a legendary visionary give a definition to this innate feeling of hope as a survival trait was frightening but also inspiring. At that moment, hope resembled that feeling you get when you think the road is dark and insurmountable but then you remember tomorrow is another day and there is always light to welcome us.
As Jane discussed The Amazing Human Intellect she laments, “When I look at the world, I am in awe and wonder...we are destroying this world before we’ve even started understanding it. We think we are smarter than nature, but we are not. Our human intellect is amazing, but we must be humble and recognize that there is an even greater intelligence in nature.”
This segues into “The Resilience of Nature” or rather the perfect ideal of nature if not for human intervention. She rightfully places the blame of Climate change and the severe damages to the ecosystem on those who really deserve it- US. She describes nature as forgiving if only we can take the right steps to help it. She says it perfectly with this line, “not only are we part of the natural world, not only do we depend on it…...we need it. When we protect the ecosystems, we are protecting ourselves.”
“Everything is connected, your community is not just the people around but also the animals and plants, and the land itself."
I commend Jane for her inclusion of young people in the narrative and how she articulates the difference of perspectives between older and younger generations. She describes our younger people as having a deeper resonance with the world and the earth.
What I found most inspiring is Jane Goodall's unique and thought-provoking statements on the Indomitable Human Spirit, “ The quality in us that makes us tackle what seems impossible and never give up, despite the odds, despite the scorn or mocking. The grit and determination to overcome and the inner strength and courage to pursue a goal at any cost.” She likens this description to Martin Luther King who fought to end discrimination and inequality.
To Jane Goodall I say thank you, thank you for sharing your unique life experiences, for asking us as individuals to dig deeper and use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place, to believe in the transformative powers of togetherness, and also for my new way to end a meeting which is, “Together we can, Together we will!”