Jane Goodall Quotes That Will Inspire Positive Change

Jane Goodall Quotes offer powerful reminders about compassion, responsibility and the importance of protecting our planet.

As a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist, Jane Goodall dedicated her life to understanding animals and inspiring people to take action for a better future.

These Jane Goodall quotes about making a difference inspire us to take action and recognize that even small efforts can have a powerful impact.

They also remind us that every individual has an important role to play in creating positive change in the world that we all share.

These Jane Goodall Quotes cover the following topics:

• Protecting the environment and wildlife
• Showing compassion for all living things
• Taking responsibility for our actions
• Believing that individuals can make a difference
• Creating positive change through small actions

Jane Goodall Quotes

1. “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall

2. “Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential.” ― Jane Goodall

3. “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.” ― Jane Goodall

4. “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” ― Jane Goodall

5. “It’s up to us to save the world for tomorrow: it’s up to you and me.” ― Jane Goodall

6. “We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place, or not to bother.” ― Jane Goodall

7. “If we kill off the wild, then we are killing a part of our souls.” ― Jane Goodall

8. “Young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize that what they do truly makes a difference, can indeed change the world.” ― Jane Goodall

9. “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” ― Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall Quotes About Change

10. “Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is alright, as long your values don’t change.” ― Jane Goodall

11. “Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.” ― Jane Goodall

12. “Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.” ― Jane Goodall

13. “There is a powerful force unleashed when young people resolve to make a change.” ― Jane Goodall

14. “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” ― Jane Goodall

15. “Let us develop respect for all living things.” ― Jane Goodall

16. “How is it possible that the most intellectual creature to ever walk planet Earth is destroying its only home?” ― Jane Goodall

17. “To reconnect with nature is key if we want to save the planet.” ― Jane Goodall

18. “Someday we shall look back on this dark era of agriculture and shake our heads. How could we have ever believed that it was a good idea to grow our food with poisons?” ― Jane Goodall

19. “My mission is to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature.” ― Jane Goodall

20. “One thing I had learned from watching chimpanzees with their infants is that having a child should be fun.” ― Jane Goodall

21. “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” ― Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall Quotes Summary

Jane Goodall’s life was a powerful reminder to us all, that one person can really make a difference in the world.

As Jane said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

The Jane Goodall quotes above remind us that each of us has the power to make a difference.

By showing compassion, respecting nature and taking responsibility for our actions, we can all help to create a more positive and sustainable world.

Updated March 2026

Damien Thomas

Damien Thomas is the founder of Your Positive Oasis, a personal growth website dedicated to sharing uplifting and inspirational quotes. Since 2016, he has helped readers to develop a more positive mindset, boost their self-belief and stay motivated through encouraging content. In recognition of his work, Damien has won the Best Health and Well-Being Blog Award. Drawing on over 30 years of personal development experience, Damien’s mission is to inspire people to live each day with greater purpose, confidence, and happiness.