It's been 50 years since Jane Goodall first went to the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve. Initially, she didn't even have her PhD. She was an assistant to Dr. Leakey, who sent her out to Tanzania to study chimpanzees--mammals previously thought of as savage and stupid creatures. However, instead of sneaking up on and scaring the animals (like so many researchers had before), Jane decided that her method of observation would be much more unobtrusive. She would wait until she became a part of the forest routine, and then she would make up her mind about chimpanzees. But only after they had become accustomed to her presence. Because of Jane Goodall's patient observations, we now know that chimpanzees can learn sign language, do math, play computer games, plot revenge, play jokes, make up games and build relationships. They are smart and fascinating.
Isn't it a shame that we so often stick to our first impressions? What are first impressions based on, really? First meetings. Which are often awkward and nerve-wracking. Maybe it would be better to wait things out. Give second chances. Get to know people beyond the normal time frame of a first impression. And then make up our minds.
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