Renowned scientist, conservationist, and activist Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91. Her work and legacy impacted vital parts of how humans understand themselves and the world. Before her death, she filmed her “Famous Last Words” documentary via Netflix interview, leaving a parting message for all: preserve and persist. 

“When someone important dies, all you long for is just a little more time with them,” these words flash across the screen as the documentary starts. During this taping, no crew was present in the room. Just several remote operated cameras with sound capabilities muted during filming.

The scientist agreed that the discussion will be released posthumously. Family, friends, and publicists were not privy to the comments made, and this freedom was evident from Goodall.

The primatologist started the discussion with a shot of whiskey and a recap of her life’s work, beginning her story with her famous employment with Dr. Louis Leakey in the forest of Tanzania. At 26 years old, she became a resident of the African field and full time chimpanzee observer. 

Decades later, Goodall remembered the animals most of all. David Greybeard, a close chimpanzee companion of the doctor, brought forth heavy emotion. Greybeard was the first chimp to show Goodall how their species uses and makes tools – a career-defining discovery with major impacts on the understanding of evolution and complex intelligence. Goodall reflected on their time together, “I don’t know who will greet me [after death] but I hope David Greybeard, Rusty, my childhood dog, and of course mom [are there].”

Goodall’s anthropological work extended beyond her chimp connection. In 1968, her research was instrumental in creating the Gombe National Park. Its dedication allowed for conservation measures in the areas she studied, protecting the species living within.

This understanding of planetary care lead her to the creation of Roots and Shoots. This organization focuses on youth education. From pre-school to university, their core lies in teaching kids how to care and conserve the planet. 

“My biggest hope is raising this compassionate generation,” Goodall confirmed, surrounding her work with the non-profit. Even at 91, her gaze is firm and stoic. 

With her acknowledgement of global warming issues, the activist placed her fears on leadership. Confessing she wished Elon Musk, Trump, and his most loyal supporters, President Xi, and Netanyahu could be put on a spaceship and sent off the planet. When pressed further on her thoughts, she related back to her experience with the chimps. 

The “alpha” male that leads with aggression never lasts long. She reasoned, “Aggression is innate, it’s contagious. Humans are susceptible as well…but I truly believe people are decent.” Goodall acknowledged the times we are living in are dark. This realization weighed heavy on her mind. 

For her last-last words, Goodall was left alone. With no one else in the room, her demeanor was peaceful yet serious. She paused, looked down the barrel of the lens and began, “In the place where I am now I look back over my life. I look back at the world I’ve left behind…I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you have a role to play. 

“You may not know it. You may not find it. But your life matters, and you are here for a reason…whether you find that role to play [or not] your life matters. And every single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference that you make.

“I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today where the planet is dark, there is still hope. Don’t lose hope…if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world…for future generations…then think about the actions you take each day. I believe there is life beyond death, that consciousness survives. 

“Above all I want you to think about the fact that we are part of Mother Nature. We have to do everything in our power to make the world a better place…you have it your power to make a difference. Don’t give up.”