The cheapest and most efficient way of slowing down global warming is to protect and restore the forests, particularly the tropical forests

Lasting change is a series of compromises.

The greatest danger to our future is apathy.

Every stage of my life set the scene for the next, and at each point all I had to do was say "yes" and not think too much about the consequences.

I don't care two hoots about civilization. I want to wander in the wild.

Chimps act the way they feel unless they are afraid of reprisal if they do so. But that doesn't apply to humans.

I thought my life was mapped out. Research, living in the forest, teaching and writing. But in '86 I went to a conference and realised the chimpanzees were disappearing. I had worldwide recognition and a gift of communication. I had to use them.