Reason for Hope A Spiritual Journey by Jane Goodall   Paperback 282 pages (October 2000) Warner Books ISBN: 0446676136 Bookshelf Categories Women's Spirituality Spiritual Biographies

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Synopsis:

From Amazon.com

As a young woman, Jane Goodall was best known for her groundbreaking fieldwork with the chimpanzees of Gombe, Africa. Goodall's work has always been controversial, mostly because she broke the mold of research scientist by developing meaningful relationships with her "specimens" and honoring their lives as she would other humans.

Now at the age of 60, she continues to break the mold of scientist by revealing how her research and worldwide conservation institutes spring from her childhood callings and adult spiritual convictions. Reason for Hope is a smoothly written memoir that does not shy away from facing the realities of environmental destruction, animal abuse, and genocide. But Goodall shares her antidote to the poison of despair with specific examples of why she has not lost faith. For instance, she shares her spiritual epiphany during a visit to Auschwitz; her bravery in the face of chimpanzee imprisonment in medical laboratories; and devotes a whole chapter to individuals, corporations, and countries that are doing the right thing. But most of all Goodall provides a beautifully written plea for why everyone can and must find a reason for hope. --Gail Hudson

Reviews:

Wow--A book that will change your thoughts on life	8/15/2000
Reviewer: A reader from Indianapolis, IN USA
I just returned home after seeing Jane Goodall speak at Chautauqua, NY. After her inspiring and life changing (for me) speech, I bought this book and found it to be just as wonderful and moving as her speech. This book made me rethink they way I was leading my life and resolve to change for the better. She uses the story of her fascinating life with the chimps at Gombe to argue against the 'justmeism' prevalent in today's society.(Its just me--how can I make a difference) It made me understand that there is no reason why I can't use my purchasing power to influence companies to treat animals more humanely and to care for our environment. I loved her thought of humans being in a time of 'moral evolution'. It really made me feel that we do have a higher purpose in life and should be trying to live our lives the most compassionate way we can. I've already told my friends about her book and her message and they have been inspired as well. I hope everyone picks up a copy of this book and is moved the way I was. I, too, understand her reasons for worrying about our future and her reasons to hope.

A reader from Ithaca, NY	2/25/2000
Reviewer: Jane Goodall at her best
For those of us who are familiar with Jane Goodall, this book is a fantastic journey through her life, reflections and inspirational experiences. Written with some of the same stories seen in other of her books, Reason for Hope does its best to put together the scientist and the magnificent human being into one highly inspirational and motivational compendium that is sure to make you reflect upon humanity and how we can make a difference. The first part of the book repeats many of her life accounts and experiences, and the latter part is at times, quite depressing as she explores the dark aspects of humanity. But then, Goodall's intelligence is a strong stimulating force to make this a great book!