I love to write - it is a great source of reflection, especially as I continue to meet many new inspiring people.

Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.

It has actually been suggested that warfare may have been the principle evolutionary pressure that created the huge gap between the human brain and that of our closest living relatives, the anthropoid apes. Whole groups of hominids with inferior brains could not win wars and were therefore exterminated.

We are unique. Chimpanzees are unique. Dogs are unique. But we humans are just not as different as we used to think.

My mother always taught us that if people don't agree with you, the important thing is to listen to them. But if you've listened to them carefully and you still think that you're right, then you must have the courage of your convictions.

We learn the social norms of our society and modify our behaviour accordingly.

In what terms should we think of these beings, nonhuman yet possessing so very many human-like characteristics? How should we treat them? Surely we should treat them with the same consideration and kindness as we show to other humans; and as we recognize human rights, so too should we recognize the rights of the great apes? Yes.