Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91, offered a controversial proposal regarding public figures she deemed problematic. In a recently released interview, part of the Netflix documentary Famous Last Words, Goodall expressed a desire to send individuals like Donald Trump and Elon Musk on a one-way journey into space.
Goodall’s Space Journey Proposal
During an interview conducted by Brad Falchuk, Goodall candidly stated her wish to place certain political leaders aboard Musk’s proposed spacecraft. She suggested that Musk would be the host of this hypothetical journey. Among those she would send are:
- Donald Trump
- Elon Musk
- Vladimir Putin (President of Russia)
- Xi Jinping (President of China)
- Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister)
Elaborating on Aggressiveness
Goodall, known for her environmental advocacy, drew parallels between aggressive behaviors in chimpanzees and those displayed by certain humans. She noted that male chimpanzees compete for dominance using various tactics:
- Aggressive Dominance: Some use brute force but do not hold power long.
- Strategic Dominance: Others rely on intellect and alliances, allowing them to maintain status longer.
In her previous interviews, Goodall has characterized Trump’s behavior as reminiscent of aggressive chimpanzee males. She noted that he embodies intimidation through an exaggerated projection of strength.
The Role of Aggression in Politics
Goodall also discussed the concept of politicization in animal behavior. She observed that chimpanzees exhibit heightened aggression when encountering perceived threats from outsiders. She expressed concern that similar patterns exist among humans, especially in response to hostile political environments.
However, Goodall remains optimistic about humanity, emphasizing the need for compassion and constructive behavior among future generations. She advocates for education and awareness to combat apathy amidst troubling political climates.
Lessons from History
Goodall drew a historical analogy, comparing contemporary political struggles to Britain’s fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. She highlighted the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Goodall’s message was clear: even in dark times, hope should not be abandoned.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Goodall urged individuals to remain hopeful and to actively engage in the fight against environmental degradation and political oppression. She reminded her audience that every small action contributes to significant change, encouraging people to take meaningful steps to protect the planet for future generations.
As a towering figure in environmentalism and animal behavior, Jane Goodall’s legacy will endure in the conversations she sparked about leadership, aggression, and the responsibility of every individual to foster a better world.
