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Quote by Jane Goodall

“Of course we're all programmed genetically to some extent. But the "selfish gene" thesis doesn't explain everything.”

Quote by Jane Goodall

Author

Jane Goodall, born on April 3, 1934, is a renowned primatologist. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and is considered one of the founders of modern primatology. Dr. Goodall's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of animal behavior. more

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“Even in chimps there is true altruistic behaviour; behaviour that doesn't fit into the sociobiological model that says you either help a close relative and thereby your own genes, or you help somebody else now in return for their help in the future. When a very high-ranking male chimpanzee rescues a little orphan, saving his life, that kind of explanation doesn't work.”

Kind Littles Helping Return Fit Models Males Saving Explanation Relative Genes Rescue Behaviour Orphan Chimpanzees Ranking

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“I believe that we have more capability than any other creature to control our biological inheritance - and we do so most of the time.”

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“Chimps act the way they feel unless they are afraid of reprisal if they do so. But that doesn't apply to humans.”

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“We can learn to suppress our feelings for other reasons.”

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“We learn the social norms of our society and modify our behaviour accordingly.”

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“I see that within each human being there are two extremes: there's the loving, the passionate, altruistic side that has evolved with us, and then there's the violent, brutal side that has evolved with us. The question for each individual is: which side is going to come out on top?”

Humans Two Individual Sides Human Beings Passionate Extremes Violent Brutal Being There Two Extremes

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“Even when it comes to things like wars over oil, which may seem like a whole different ball game, there are still comparisons one can draw: chimps fight for their territory; they fight for the resources within that territory, so it does relate in a way.”

Way May Doe Stills Different War Whole Seems Fighting Games Draws Resources Balls Oil Relate Comparison Territory Ball Games

Author:Jane Goodall

“Just think of the trust that often exists in soldiers. Within their own unit, you could say they have to trust each other. A spirit of camaraderie builds up and, in the end, they will risk their lives for each other. They may even go so far as to dehumanise the other, enemy group - a mechanism you can also observe in chimps.”

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“I sometimes wonder how some people can live with themselves in some of the big companies today. So many far-reaching decisions are based on how they will affect the next shareholders' meeting.”

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“Our brain is almost the same as the chimps', but we have language, we have electronic communications, we've put people on the moon - we are immensely more intelligent. And yet: how come the being with the most extraordinary intellect ever is destroying its only planet?”

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Author:Jane Goodall