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I had the privilege of meeting Jane Goodall on December 9, 2015. We were both in Paris for COP-21, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The thing that struck me most about that meeting was how beautiful she was, even at the age of 81.

It’s hard to put into words her beauty. She had a natural grace about her and an air of quiet, thoughtful contemplation. She also possessed a sharp mind and quick wit. Before we met, I had heard her present the night before at the 2015 Equator Prize Award Ceremony of the United Nations Development Programme,  where she bantered with Alec Baldwin and, at one point, appeared out of nowhere onto the stage with a quip that had us in the audience roaring with laughter. I wish I could remember what she said.

It is her eyes, though, that have stayed with me over the years. Or rather, the light in them.  Clear, vibrant. Luminous. She shone from the inside out, and I do not mean this metaphorically. The light that Jane Goodall radiates is what happens when one lives their entire life with passion and purpose.

I spoke of my encounter with Jane often. Most recently, on October 1, 2025, her name came up while I was teaching my newest class at the University of Colorado, Research Methods in Conservation Psychology. I shared with the students the circumstances of our meeting and mentioned her beauty and presence. A student commented that she hoped people spoke about her that way when she was that old.

We didn’t know of Jane’s death at that time.

The next day, I met with a student during office hours. He asked me if I had heard about Jane’s death and marvelled that we had been talking about her so positively the previous day.

That’s how we all should live. So that even if you have a chance encounter with one person over 10 years ago, they will still remember how you are a light of the world, and they will tell everyone who will listen how beautiful you were.

Shine on, my friends! It’s now more important than ever.