Heros

There are some moments at work which can be terribly exciting. Today was one of those.

We had the great priviledge of hosting Jane Goodall and she regaled us with her life's story. And what a life that was! She broke so many boundaries and taboos, and made so many strides, that she qualifies as a hero in my book.

She looked like someone's grandma but this world renouned primatologist was totally unassuming. She exhuded calmness -- except when she spoke to us in "chimpanzee-nese" (yes, she greeted us as chimps would greet one another: what a treat!).

One thing stuck in my head and that is the reaction of her mentor, John Leakey, when early in her work in Tanzania, she discovered how chimps used tools. He said: "We must now redefine man, redefine tool or accept chimpanzees as humans."