BOOK REVIEW

Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey: A Book Review

Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey: A Book Review

Introduction

Jane Goodall, the world's most famous and influential primatologist, finds that the questions she is most often asked are: "Jane, do you think there is hope? Is there hope for the rainforests of Africa? For the chimpanzees who face extinction? Is there hope for the planet? For us and for our children and grandchildren?"

These are the questions that Goodall addresses in her latest autobiographical musing that tackles her life, philosophy and current work. This paper presents review of the book Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey by Goodall and Berman, (2000) in a concise and comprehensive way.

Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey: A Book Review

Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey explores Goodall's early childhood, and the influences and experiences that have led her to become the extraordinary woman she is today.

Moving to Africa at the age of 23 was the realisation of a childhood dream for Goodall, and the beginning of a lifelong passion. Her study of chimpanzees in the Gombe forest was where she was able to feel her happiest.

"I already felt that I belonged to this new forest world, that this was where I was meant to be" (Goodall and Berman, 2000). Travelling around the world as an advocate for the protection of chimpanzees, Goodall became intimately aware of the damage that was being done to the planet. For many years, she has been campaigning for environmental causes as well as continuing her animal rights work.

The Jane Goodall Institute was founded in 1977 to support animals in the wild and captivity, and to raise awareness for the cause worldwide. Goodall continues to work with the Institute and is developing a programme for young people called Roots and Shoots: "This is a symbolic name; roots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation, shoots seem new and small, but to reach the light can break apart brick walls,' she says (Goodall and Berman, 2000).

So is it all too late? Goodall retains hope for four reasons: the human brain; the resilience of nature; the energy and enthusiasm that is found or can be kindled among young people worldwide; and the indomitable human spirit. In reading Reason for Hope, I felt as if I came to know Goodall personally, as well as understanding and gaining a deep respect for her work. The book is separated into the different periods of Goodall's life, but unfortunately there is little continuity to the narrative. However, reading this book should be enough to inspire anyone to put aside the problem of "just me-ism" that the author talks about, and realise that if everyone does something small, it will make a difference (Goodall and Berman, 2000).

Holly Smith only recently moved to London from Australia. Having travelled overseas on a family holiday to Japan at an early age, she fell in love with the country's mystique, and subsequently lived there for a year after high ...