I watched an excellent documentary on TV recently about orangutans. Richard Attenborough spoke the commentary. The animals were studied in considerable detail and orangutan society was revealed as having many similar human aspects. Although, as individual animals they live relatively isolated lives, orangutan ‘society’ is based on well established behaviours which serve to maintain stability and continuity and avoid conflict. How do we compare? Given that we evolved from earlier primates which would have developed similar social structures and relationships which protected individuals and prevented conflict, have we retained any similar behaviours? They are not involved in destructive wars. The sexes regard each other with respect and they raise their young with great care. Perhaps we can we learn from our distant ancestors.