I don't like the word "hero" thrown about liberally, as in a sentence like "Ashton Kutcher is a personal hero of mine." But certain figures test this cynicism of mine when I am reminded simply that they exist. Jane Goodall is one of these figures. So while "hero" can be a melodramatic word (and indeed one I would prefer reserved for those who perform actual acts of heroism), I almost feel compelled. Suffice to say, I've always been puzzled that Jane Goodall has not been more widely admired. She is gloriously un-glamorous by mainstream standards. But I guess I have a different standard for glamor too.