The Arapes? In old accounts, the Arabes of New Guinea are described as a people bound by ancient customs, without private property or formal affiliations. For them, possessing things can feel like a heavy burden, and this attitude ripples into every corner of daily life. In their view, there is no pressure from one person to another, no machismo to speak of, and even intimate encounters are treated as a natural form of communication free from domination or control. They measure generosity not by its presence or absence, but by the amount that exists in any given moment, because in their world, everything belongs to everyone. Yet one hallmark stands out: happiness. The Arabes tend to live in the present, with a sense of time that looks forward not by clinging to the past but by using it to imagine a future.”
“The story of life among them bears some resemblance to the ideas once voiced by the Greek philosopher Diogenes, who valued freedom above wealth and comfort. Diogenes is often recalled as a wanderer who lived with minimal possessions, accepted charity, and pursued a life free from unnecessary constraints. Legend says that, on a particularly hot day, after a river bath, he reclined beside a stray dog. A group of soldiers happened to pass, and Alexander the Great reportedly observed the scene and remarked on the philosopher’s freedom. He admired Diogenes for his carefree state and his ability to relax without fear or burden.”
“In response, the philosopher is said to have clarified that his simple life does not consist of having less, but of wanting less. He noted that even a dog, with its own humble needs, embodies a form of freedom and happiness that is not dependent on wealth or status. The teaching implied is clear: true freedom arises when one is not tethered by material cravings but remains open to the world around them.”
“Like Diogenes, the Arapesh people have a distinctive appreciation for animals and the natural world. They acquire sustenance by observing and sharing with the creatures that roam nearby, distributing what they gather to the wider community. Their social structure emphasizes living in harmony with the land, educating children within a framework of communal responsibility, and engaging in acts of giving and receiving that reinforce mutual trust. From their close relationships with animals, they learn lessons about independence through the behavior of cats, and about reliability, loyalty, and gentleness through the steadfast nature of dogs.”