John Oliver couldn’t have selected a more qualified guest than Dr. Jane Goodall to interview for his series ‘People Who Think Good.’
As one of the world’s foremost experts in chimpanzees and other primates, it occurs to me, that Dr. Goodall’s work may cause anti-evolutionists to squirm. At minimum, it’s one more reason not to allow the teaching of science to our impressionable young! Asked why she finds the creatures to be fascinating, Goodall – who is also fascinating, answers ‘because they are so like us.’ Our two species share 98% of the same DNA and many other remarkable biological similarities. We also exhibit similar behavior and emotions. After watching a brief clip of aggressive behavior between two males, John voiced the unequivocal proof that we are closely related, stating “They are ass****s!” Case closed.
John tests the great scientist’s patience with possible chimp names, like ‘Jessica Chimpson’ and is shot down when he suggests dressing a chimp up like a little butler and training him to serve. It is a good segue to one of Goodall’s pet peeves – chimps as pets. That means you Justin Bieber! Those lovable, liquid brown eyes (the monkey’s, not the Bieb’s) can melt your heart, but you don’t want to know what they’re capable of doing to your face.
As your adviser probably told you in high school, it’s always good to pick up another language. Dr. Goodall is a good sport, with a poker face and a sense of humor, who l taught John some basic monkey speak. He now knows how to be insulted in chimpanzee.