The Semoi of Malaysia are one of the most peaceful societies known. Men don’t fight one another; husbands don’t beat their wives; parents don’t hit their children. What’s more, the Semoi children seldom fight among themselves. Assault, rape, and murder are virtually unknown. The Semoi believe that aggression is dangerous and that aggressive thoughts or even unfriendliness puts a person at greater risk for getting sick or having a bad accident. Thus, their children learn from a very early age that nonviolence is the way of the world.
