The Penan People: A Culture Where Gratitude is Lived, Not Spoken

In many cultures, generosity is seen as an extra, a virtue that earns you praise or social recognition. But for the Penan, generosity isn’t optional—it’s the default setting. Saying “thank you” would be like thanking someone for breathing. Helping today means being helped tomorrow. No one keeps score because, in the rainforest, survival isn’t a solo act—it’s a team effort.

Why Do the Penan Live This Way?

This deeply ingrained practice comes from their hunter-gatherer origins. Unlike agricultural societies where land and resources are privately owned, the Penan share everything. In a rainforest environment where food sources can be unpredictable, hoarding or keeping track of debts could be disastrous. Their survival depends on trust and generosity.

Anthropologists call this mindset Immediate Return Economics. Unlike societies that store wealth or accumulate goods for future use—such as farming communities—the Penan consume what they gather each day, trusting their community will support them when needed. Material wealth holds little value, but social bonds are everything.

No Leaders, No Hierarchies, No Wealth Disparities

The Penan operate under an anti-hierarchy system. They have no formal leaders—decisions are made collectively. Elders are respected for their wisdom, but no one enforces power. There is no wealth disparity because possessions are shared, and personal belongings are minimal.

They also live by a core principle called Mong, which means never taking more than you need. This applies to hunting, gathering, and using natural resources, ensuring sustainability for the whole community.

Conflict Resolution the Penan Way

Despite having no official laws or property ownership, the Penan are known for their peaceful nature. They resolve conflicts through discussion rather than aggression. Without private property, many of the common sources of disputes in other societies simply don’t exist. 

A Lesson in Instinctive Generosity

Before you consider ditching “thank you” at your next dinner party, remember—the Penan aren’t rude; they’re just wired differently. For them, community isn’t built on pleasantries; it’s built on action.

Maybe there’s something we can learn from them—less transactional kindness, more instinctive generosity. Because in the end, the best way to show gratitude isn’t through words. It’s through making sure no one ever has to ask for help in the first place.

Now that’s something to think about—no thanks necessary.