Show 1284: The Book of Hope–A Survival Guide for Trying Times (Archive)

Jane Goodall is an eminent naturalist who spent years studying chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It was she who first reported that we humans are not the only primates to make and use tools. She transformed our understanding of these animals. Now she is an elder statesman speaking out for action to help reverse climate change. Over the last few years, she and author Doug Abrams had in-depth conversations about her reasons for hope that we can act in time.

The Book of Hope:

Jane Goodall warns that we should not confuse hope with wishful thinking. Turning to fantasy won’t help, nor will wallowing in fear. But with hope, we can identify realistic goals and a possible pathway to reach them. We also need confidence and social support. According to Jane Goodall, hope is a survival trait. It is also a social gift.

Four Reasons for Hope:

The Book of Hope explores in depth the four reasons that Jane Goodall holds up for hope that we can make change in time. They include the amazing human intellect that could be deployed in the service of positive change. She also sees the resilience of nature, the power of young people and the indomitable human spirit as factors that can help us. When we combine the powers of head and heart, we end up with wisdom.

Eco-grief is essential to allow us to process our pain and motivate action. When we rise to our human potential, we can look to a future that is better than the present. What we are learning now is crucial to allow us to face our challenges with grit and courage. Both the book and the conversation are uplifting.

This Week's Guest:

Douglas Abrams is co-author of the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. His latest book, co-authored with Jane Goodall, is The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times. Douglas is also the founder and president of Idea Architects, a literary agency and media development company helping visionaries to create a wiser, healthier, and more just world. The photo of Mr. Abrams is by Dina Scoppettone.