“You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference.” Gerald Durrell
Who is Gerald Durrell? If you watched the BBC show “The Durrells in Corfu,” you would know Jerry was the young boy who loved all animals, birds, reptiles and insects. This true story was based on this progressive zookeeper’s book “My family and other animals,” which was a best seller in the UK in the 1950s.
The context for the quote was his warning that humans were destroying the forests to harvest the wood and farm the land. We were killing off the homes to many animals. This was prescient and could reemphasized today.
Yet, the quote applies to so much more. We do not have to be expert on climate change to make a difference. We do not have to be expert on the long lifespan of plastic to use fewer plastic contsiners. We do not need to be an expert to know we need to use our water resources wisely.
And, to Durrell’s point, we do need to be an expert to preserve and replenish forests. Trees, mangroves, etc. are also carbon eaters, so it is not just the animals we are protecting. Remember the title of the best seller above.
musingsofanoldfart 
One of my favorite books!
Elisabeth, last night they did a recap on PBS after the series ended. They interviewed Princess Ann who was moved by the book and supported Durrell’s zoo. Did you watch the series as well? Keith
Yes, I did watch the series too. The series did the novel trilogy justice, both extremely enjoyable.
Thanks. One of us will get the book as a present. We enjoyed the show. Each of the children were unique as was their mother. On the PBS recap, Larry was nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature, but was removed from consideration since his book contained too much erotica. Apparently his series of books on Alexandria were well received.
If I had a favorite character it would be Margot. She was quite the fickle teen falling in and out of love so essily. When she went home to England for a time, she fascinated others with her stories. Keith
Oh, you’ll really enjoy the book, it really made me laugh out loud. My favorite characters are Spiros and Theodore Stephanides. I didn’t see the PBS recap (yet).
You described the book the way Princess Anne did – she found herself laughing out loud.
Did she really? By the way, I recommend the whole Corfu trilogy 😊
Elisabeth, she was very enthusiatic about her love of the books. Thanks for the recommendation. Keith
Elisabeth, I ordered the book. They have done a reprint as a result of the series. The original is out of print. Keith
Hear Hear!!
Hugh, thanks. I love this quote especially coming from an expert. Keith