Alive Quote by Jane Goodall
“Is it not possible that the chimpanzees are responding to some feeling like awe? A feeling generated by the mystery of water; water that seems alive, always rushing past yet never going, always the same yet ever different. Was it perhaps similar feelings of awe that gave rise to the first animistic religions, the worship of the elements and the mysteries of nature over which there was no control? Only when our prehistoric ancestors developed language would it have been possible to discuss such internal feelings and create a shared religion.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jane Goodall on primate cognition, 1998
The quote suggests that chimpanzees may experience awe toward water, a feeling that could have inspired early human animism and religious reverence for nature.
In simple terms: Chimpanzees might feel awe, influencing early human religion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emotional depth in animals and its cultural impact.
Themes
empathy
religion
human evolution
animal cognition
Mood
wonderful
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- wildlife observation
- anthropology lectures
- environmental education
- religious studies
Key Concepts
animism
emotional cognition
symbolic thought
Questions to Reflect On
- How might we scientifically study awe in animals?
- What does this imply about the origins of human spirituality?
A Different Perspective
Awe is hard to measure objectively in non‑human species.
