Words shared between Bill Moyers[1] and Bentari Project hero Dr. Jane Goodall[2].

BILL MOYERS: But does the meaning come with the DNA or is it something we create out of life? As you have created meaning with your life?

JANE GOODALL: I don't think that faith really can be scientifically explained. And I don't want to explain this whole life business through truth, science. There's so much mystery. There's so much awe. What is it that makes the chimpanzees do these spectacular displays, rain dances, I call them, when chimpanzees dance at the foot of a waterfall. And then sit in the spray and watch the water that's always coming and always going and always there. It's wonder. It's awe. If chimps had the same kind of language that we have, I suspect their awe would turn into some kind of animistic religion.

BILL MOYERS: There's a poem you wrote that I came across recently. I never read it or heard it before. But it is, I think, autobiographical of you. Read it for us, if you don't mind.

JANE GOODALL: Ok. "The Old Wisdom."

When the night wind makes the pine trees creak
And the pale clouds glide across the dark sky,
Go out my child, go out and seek
Your soul: The Eternal I.

For all the grasses rustling at your feet
And every flaming star that glitters high
Above you, close up and meet
In you: The Eternal I

Yes, my child, go out into the world; walk slow
And silent,comprehending all, and by and by
Your soul, the Universe, will know
Itself: the Eternal I.

Bill and Jane’s discussion shows us how to save black-footed ferrets, red wolves and planet Earth. As Jane says, “What we learn is never give up. We must never give up."

From Bentari, ch. 1, “The Calm”: The moment’s symmetry filled his breast with awe. How he loved the glory of all the teeming life around him. His lips rose involuntarily into a gentle little smile. He was so happy.

Images: Red wolf & ferret—photos are public domain from Wikipedia commons[3]

[1] Video of Bill Moyers’ interview with Jane Goodall: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/11272009/watch.html

[2] Visit the Jane Goodall Institute at: http://www.janegoodall.org/

[3] Image from Wikipedia commons at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:07-03-23RedWolfAlbanyGAChehaw.jpg and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mustela_nigripes_2.jpg