What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
Context
Jane Goodall presents a powerful dual truth about our existence. First, she affirms that our actions matter—"what you do makes a difference." We are not passive observers but active participants whose choices ripple outward.
The second part—"you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make"—places the responsibility of direction squarely on our shoulders. We have the agency to choose whether our impact will be positive or negative, healing or harmful, constructive or destructive. This isn't about grand gestures alone, but about the cumulative effect of our daily choices.
This quote empowers us to live intentionally. It challenges us to consciously shape our legacy through mindful choice, understanding that our every action contributes to the impact we have on the world.