Some researchers were studying a newly found tribe in New Guinea. The neighboring tribes were fierce and warlike, and constantly battling each other. But this particular tribe never waged war or fought other tribes. The researchers were puzzled by this, but every time they asked why this is so, or how the tribe deals with enemies or people they hate, the tribespeople simply answered:

"This is how we have always done it, so this is the way it is done".

For months the researchers tried to get more of an answer but always it was the same response.

On the night before they were due to return home, the tribe organized a huge ceremonial feast. After everybody had eaten their fill, the researchers were surprised when a grizzly old tribal elder who had always been silent with them, stood up, spat out his betel nut, cleared his throat and said to them:

"Thank you for sharing so much knowledge of your world with us. In return, I would like to share some of our knowledge, and hope you will also learn something from us in return:

"We have no word for 'hate' or 'enemy' like you do. In our language, the word we use means 'loved before and again'. This way we remember that even if we are angry with somebody, this state will pass. They were somebody we loved before, and somebody will still love after the anger dies. Because of this we do not fight or wage war"

The researchers were stunned. After contemplating the man's words for a while, the lead researcher replied:

"Thank you, wise elder, for sharing your words. In our country, people are rich in possessions, but poor in the heart. They care more for what people think of them, than they care about treating others kindly. And they care more for their possessions than for other people. But possessions give rise to jealousy, competitiveness & hatred. Only when we learn like you, to remember to always love each other, will our people become happier"

The old man thought about this as everybody waited in silence. Finally, he said: "You speak just like one of our tribe, which shows that we share a common bond. This is the bond of humanity, which is how we see all people. You can return to your country, but remember that you will always be loved before and again."