above all however, favelas are the places where the greatest generosity can be found, as residents live in closer proximity to each other - those who live there are unreservedly giving to the people around them - food, services, and homes are thought of less as personal and individual property, and more as a resource that can be shared with others. 

one of the most remarkable features of cariocas' generosity is that a 'thank you' at the end is rarely expected, nor does it seem wanted - to give, share and live communally is part of their cultural dna, an instinct that runs deeper than a desire for gratitude, and nods to a history of great strife in which the only way to live and prosper was to live as one.