The surprising science of alpha males | Frans de Waal

In this fascinating look at the "alpha male," primatologist Frans de Waal explores the privileges and costs of power while drawing surprising parallels between how humans and primates choose their leaders. His research reveals some of the unexpected capacities of alpha males -- generosity, empathy, even peacekeeping -- and sheds light on the power struggles of human politicians. "Someone who is big and strong and intimidates and insults everyone is not necessarily an alpha male," de Waal says.
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[@Baamthe25th]

Ted talk are good when actual scientist come, instead of "inspirational speaker"

[@KyleMart]

Completely agree!

[@thomascook3336]

Quite the distinction between TED and TEDX.

[@springfield6826]

So true

[@Baustakar]

You mean like that breatharian idiot? :D

[@zRevol]

This comment right here folks

[@jamesjennings2294]

"The true king does not go around constantly yelling "I am the king". -Tywin Lannister

[@itsflat55]

He starts by spreading his seed.

[@MarcoTatta]

I Just love how scientists candidly and simply demolish all the pseudosciences of self proclaimed mental coaches and motivators. Thank you science

[@ciaranmck4469]

Old comment but not necessarily true still tho the world "alpha" has really been completely misunderstood

[@GirlSmotheredToDeath]

@Atman Gotango Same here mate. I don't know how and why people are thinking there's no alpha position in a social structure

[@jamesstern8043]

I’m the mother f’n alpha male; you all are my biatches

[@zeushualde5627]

@@GirlSmotheredToDeath theres a strong and weak male.... there is no alpha thing... science prove them wrong...

[@rafomic4210]

@@GirlSmotheredToDeath women are choosing These Alphas......

[@billibilliyou]

A strong, uncompassionate man only damages those who are weaker. A strong and compassionate man makes those around him stronger

[@oskarapfel8671]

I am the alpha male in my community. It consists of one person.

[@cashfaithbiz]

Oskar Apfel lmao

[@gangstarr0work]

lmfao 🔥🔥🔥🤘

[@theronkong]

that was good lmao

[@ivotenotocensorship5247]

Lmao

[@drdickenbalz]

That's actually a very legitimate achievement if you think about it. Many people are not even the alpha male of themselves. For example, constantly led around by other people's opinions and other people's perceptions of them. If the community is just one person, yourself, then being an alpha male of your community means you: 1. Stand up for yourself 2. Manage conflict within yourself 3. Are generous with yourself 4. Show empathy towards yourself All of which are good qualities to have for mental health.

[@sdsyddall]

“I invented the term.. ALPHA MALE” That is literally alpha as fuark

[@abdou6003]

this "alpha male" internet lingo needs to stop just be a REAL MAN

[@notmyrealname9075]

He didn't invent anything, he even admitted that the term was invented 20 years before he made his book, for wolves. However he didn't even mention the Dr. L. David Mech who invented it, instead he said he was partly responsible for making it popular.

[@anestholiver]

Idiot simple explanation by a simple man

[@safenders]

Douchebag comment alert

[@Zepherian]

@@notmyrealname9075 They probably have been using the term alpha male since ancient greece...

[@DoomCycle]

Alphas don’t have to tell anyone they are an alpha. Others know

[@clipsedrag13]

Exactly what a zeta would say.

[@photoallergic]

Well, they do have to signal it. But they don't do it consciously most of the time. You can't fake posture for long.

[@arminharper510]

How u gonna call yourself a king without claiming the throne? If u dont act like a king no one will recognise u as one.

[@arminharper510]

@Mandalorian Patriot not true, aint nothing genetic about it, u LEARN how to be an alpha, either from ur father or through life experience, most men never learn

[@arminharper510]

@Mandalorian Patriot "some men are born great" greatness is not genetic, that's why many alpha leaders had beta sons who lost his dad's empire etc.

[@Liberum69]

I learned this from watching A Knight's Tale. "Your men love you. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough."

[@austinmoss5501]

Also A Knight's Tale "Your breasts... are beneath your throat." One of my all time favourite movies

[@newyorkval1478]

@Eric Flaquer Oh, for Pete's sake...

[@exnihilonihilfit6316]

What if he's a monster and the men are men who worship the monster (the most impactful monsters in history didn't do it alone).

[@Thesixth9delays]

My favorite of all time. I wish more people liked that movie, I feel like I never meet anyone I can quote it too. "It's called a lanceeee, helloooo"

[@claudiaweiss6451]

I could have listened to this man for hours about chimpanzees. I didn't want the video to end. Insight to the alpha male and female was amazing. Thank you for posting

[@c.harris3411]

This is a good analogy that a good man is not only strong, but compassionate.

[@karsten9895]

Actually, this is not what de Waal says. First of all, he's not even remotely talking about "good men". Folks are reading to much human morals or ethics into those biological explanations. What this scientist is saying is that an alpha animal or person must be capable to be emphatic. That is not the same thing as being compassionate. The leader must be able to "read" emotions and act as if it/he/she is compassionate. While it may help to actually be compassionate to achieve this objective, this is not a must. As Machiavelli already wrote in "The Prince" about the leader: “He should appear to be compassionate, faithful to his word, guileless, and devout. And indeed he should be so. But his disposition should be such that, if he needs to be the opposite, he knows how.”

[@dobelEXP]

they dont stay alpha for very long,

[@Avratin]

@@dobelEXP Actually the alphas who are liked and respected almost invariably have more longevity historically . The warlords almost always perish early and often destroy their society in the process.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaadddd]

Yet women think you to much a of a nice guy.

[@Gabe62046]

C.Harris34 happy alpha female, happy life

[@OBEYWEEGEE]

The common misconception of the "bully take-all" alpha male is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between the alpha individual and the group; the alpha male is only the alpha male because of his validation from the group in which he benefits, and is in actuality the biggest servant of the said group. The relationship is mutual. Any group that is bullied into line by an oppressor will likely see the quality and coherency of the social structure suffer. Eventually, if the social structure does not collapse and perish from the exploitation of the leader, the title of alpha male will eventually be reclaimed for the betterment of the group by an individual who practices more good will towards the members, and avoids staunch egoism.

[@pugtortuga3406]

Yeah let’s not forget some groups just go extinct as no Alpha shows up.

[@joshualee272]

@@pugtortuga3406 yes that is a possiblity if you watch the first most recent jungle book before the tiger attacks the wolves he makes damn sure he gets rid of the alpha first if he wants to successful fight them. Even though he can take on more than 1 wolf he can't take on the whole pack under the focus and order of the alpha. If he gets rid of the alpha they will think as individual wolves and will be cautious about attacking while if the alpha is there they will think as a group and follow his lead also the alpha wolf is usually the physically strongest so it makes sense that the tiger would get rid of him because would be like a metaphoric tank on the wolves side.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Yes and No but the terms and or phrases for example (there fore) validation and servant is Accurate, Thanks.

[@josephaether377]

just a question if anyone in the know csares to help me understand: so, i remember this guy in high school who was always aggressive and seemingly maladjusted and whenever my friends and i would be goofing off or just be laughing together, etc. this guy would come around and start pushing me and just downright challenging me in some strange animalistic way. i don't work like this and my personality's on the amiable, goofy side. i was utterly confused. but at the same time, i wasn't necessarily afraid of confrontation. but i didn't know wtf to do to handle it except kinda be like, "okay, well, how can i help you here?" i kinda felt like a punk for letting him push me around. but i knew i didn't want to open that can of worms if i laid into him because he was one of those gangster thug life trash kids who you could tell would bring you both down in flames right afterwards if you really pushed him. now, is this considered alpha behavior from this guy? he seemed like he was having a casual good time as he punked me in front of my friends all by his lonesome... he used to say things like, "you ain't funny," and, "whatchu gonna do?!"

[@dons1932]

The biggest marker is alpha males are loved and respected by all. Bully jerks are neither.

[@efstrix]

wow, the graph at 10:14 changed my life view, I worked hard so that I want to become the best, now I want to become the second best

[@search895]

Probably Lao Tse knew that

[@marcelocasimiroqueirozecos5184]

TL;DR: Alphas are leaders, not jerks.

[@gavinreid8351]

Marcelo Casimiro Queiróz e Costa jerky leaders.

[@Hirnlego999]

Lots of leaders have psychopathic traits. Or maybe not lots, but leadership positions also tends to attract these types of people.

[@jasondashney]

I think you mean TL;DW ;-)

[@larryjeffers8995]

That's an incorrect tl;dr. As the speaker mentioned, there's a common misperception among capitalist business leaders that leader=jerk. Businessmen, such as Trump, are encouraged to be obnoxious jerks. This talk is precisely to correct that falsehood that anti-social-safety-net capitalists have been peddling in bookstores and on TV for decades.

[@jerrytomas3136]

larry jeffers There’s a difference between a leader and a boss

[@casperhobbs6475]

Love it. People are used to think being alpha is all about brute force and violent actions/words both for men and woman. But it is all about doing right by your group and having their support. Power comes with numbers

[@lilcolgatevert3715]

Literally no one except the most worthless non alphas viewed alpha by that misconception. Alphas have never been about "all brute force and violent actions". That's ridiculous. Only insecure omegas would think like that. Alphas are about self confidence, perseverance, sagacity, intelligence, charisma, strength all being the best you can possibly be.

[@EndoKeks]

I'm quite sure being alpha is not about looking down on "worthless non alphas" and "insecure omegas". I also see no point for an alpha to point that out because of the whole "self confidence" thing... As it was said in the video, it's about empathy and being a good leader to the group, too.

[@leveljoe]

EndoKeks I would have to disagree. Part of being an alpha is to maintain the hierarchy and the perception of power. Don't forget, the alpha doesn't often pick his successor as this man made it sound. If the alpha doesn't look down on the lesses males to a certain degree he will constantly be challenged. It is a balancing act. Think of the way Obama treated the incoming Trump. The lesser males are far from worthless, it's quite the opposite. An alpha needs them for numbers and power. He needs the lesser males to want to be under him, they will have the hope of possibly becoming alpha with the large numbers one day. If you divide the numbers, you loose.

[@lilcolgatevert3715]

EndoKeks Except I didn't say I looked down on them, you need to read properly. Yes I agree, its about empathy and compassion as well. So I didn't include that, but you didn't counter anything I said.

[@lilcolgatevert3715]

EndoKeks There's a difference between criticizing someone for being a worthless person (ie. The people that choose to attack everyone as a means to feel superior.) It shows their insecurities; they are worthless omegas with poor social skills. I stand by what I said. Try to prove otherwise, that an overly aggressive, pessimistic person has self worth. Since you're trying to refute what I said. Criticizing them for this may even help to better them someday. You don't just let them walk all over you and other people. It makes you seem pathetic. (Don't go out of your way to demean them either of course). Maybe they will learn that they are just spreading negativity.

[@edmonix6457]

Lol Social media has ruined us, we got people thinking all these "Instagram influences" are alpha

[@k.b.9716]

Social media is artificially making humans more domesticated.

[@randomdude9135]

I only use ig for memes n reels

[@uvwuvw-ol3fg]

@@k.b.9716 Continuation of Goodness Paradox (obedience to abstract laws in general population due to self-domestication syndrome explained by execution hypothesis)?

[@boondocksso8898]

@@uvwuvw-ol3fg dumb that down for me sir

[@RJALEXANDER777]

I've seen this occur before, the "bully chimpanzees" usually do well and reach the top of the hierarchy for a while, but eventually they antagonise the group enough that the other chimps turn on them. Usually this is seen when the "Alpha" Chimp tries attacking one of the group and the rest of them intervene and attack the bully. Similar events occur in human societies.

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

Basically a Tyrant gets deposed by a Revolution because he is a Jerk so the leader that is Strong but compassionate to the people.

[@Skweepa]

Alpha male: collaborator, comforter and peacemaker.

[@centpushups]

Skweepa sounds just like Trump.

[@squatch545]

Huh?

[@Kenny-bw2cz]

centpushups trump is a destroyer of worlds. A z-male

[@mirrortherorrim]

Kenny S First, the correct term is omega. Second, omega is the underdog. Third, Trump is alpha, he does exactly what an alpha male would do, except the supporters of the alpha female cannot get over the fact he is in charge - for over two years!

[@anotherlover6954]

And the toughest, or close to it.

[@PopsiclesInMyCellar]

I'm an alpha male. I know because I had to comment it on KZbin Edit: I'm even more alpha male now thanks to all these likes

[@cryora]

I am an alpha male. I know, because before I found out about pickup, people called me an alpha male and always cheered my name. They always made sure all of the women liked me, whether the women initially wanted to or not.

[@9000ck]

lol

[@bogusshmogus1670]

Hahahaha

[@mirrortherorrim]

So, how many females have you coupled with last week?

[@PopsiclesInMyCellar]

0

[@zorbathegreek2106]

What a relief to watch/listen to a man of science! Fact-filled, no-bullshit, simple, easy speech; the kind that only a good scientist can deliver. Thanks de Waal.

[@turquoiseafro1520]

Alpha qualities are empathy and peace keeping. Surprising how people miss this. Bully is not supposed to be the alpha as backstabbing of others will keep his reign dangerous/short for everyone including the bully who gets killed by members.

[@Meitti]

Kinda fascinating when you think about the relationship of ancient kings and nobility in history. Viking kings had to give gifts and please their vassals or they would find themselves quickly dethroned.

[@pakistaniraveasylum1396]

Meitti service is true leadership

[@jainamaden156]

+Meitti Exactly what I thought.

[@benjamintrevino325]

Bread and circuses.

[@TS-wf2rn]

This is so funny to me! I didn't realize how much politics was involved in Chimps. I shouldn't be too surprised though. Initially I was thinking "wow, so human"! But now I'm realizing "wow! So primate" instead.

[@larryjeffers8995]

Would you say a demand for democratic-socialism, with a social safety net and universal healthcare, is "so primate"?

[@flutterpunk6476]

Just because other primates do it doesn't prove these phenomena to be biologically rooted in some absolute sense (and therefore supposedly unchangeable - and by extension, necessary - , even though that itself is a gross misconception as genetics isn't all there is to biology and is itself constantly subject to change). All it proves is what we see, namely that chimps have similar social conventions to many human societies. That chimpanzees don't codify these social conventions explicitly doesn't make it biologically 'inherent' per se - to claim it does is an ideological, not a scientific, position.

[@partsunknown9738]

Nomée Marche would you argue against that in our not too distant past we had small tribes with a leader(alpha male) and lower ranking ones similar to what we see in these chimps. Through thousands of years molding how we behave as a species? I agree that it’s not absolute and unchangeable

[@barbatvs8959]

I'm not a primate. Speak for yourself, ape. I got a series of videos called Atheism and Atheist Creation Myths REFUTED where by the end I prove Jesus is God and thereby that we are made in God's image. If apes didn't exist, then someone could imagine that birds that walk on two legs or sloths are the closest relatives. The atheist concocted family tree of species is akin to a constellation where you connect the dots based on your IMAGINATION!

[@OfAngelsAndAnarchist]

larry jeffers yes, though lesser evolved

[@dilukamdp]

Very nice talk, I love the way politicians are chosen to illustrate the concept :-P

[@ainsmas361]

Very interesting isnt it!

[@avalokiteshvaravalon]

Bedankt voor al uw werk en geweldige boeken professor de Waal. 🙏 We zullen u missen in de biologie en de sociale wetenschappen.

[@joshuaewalker]

This was way better than that Adam Ruins Everything episode. This had real science and an expert on the subject through the whole thing.

[@alwaysyouramanda]

One thing for these self-proclaimed alpha males to note: it’s not for you to decide your position.

[@zako8424]

Well thats beta thinking, I am *ALPHA*

[@justincrutchfield5788]

alwaysyouramanda it's something you're born as... otherwise it's just a front, and you might get eaten. Lol

[@Weirddog806]

I’d love to show you how I’m an alpha...

[@alwaysyouramanda]

No Safe Spaces well, you can’t. You’re obviously beta.

[@Weirddog806]

alwaysyouramanda your lack of logic is astounding!!!! your sock puppets taught you well..

[@ELM-ee8bt]

21st century men struggling to find their role in society need to see this video. It's given me a whole new insight into what it is to be a man and a leader.

[@blablabla55555]

That place is always there

[@mortaluziak2024]

@@blablabla55555 but men are very nowadays...personally I prefer not to show any emotions coz thas not gonna help u but these current generation weaklings r so emo I have only met some men mostly from Eastern hemisphere and from south Asia who don't show of their emotions and control the situation with confidence...

[@sanepillow59]

@@mortaluziak2024 putting a facade is the opposite of confidence, my guy

[@raduaurelian]

Being myself is enough, most simple, most refreshing and always a pleasure. I don't have any competition.

[@fahimfaisal5576]

And be confident,pal

[@MrBigotes503]

You are living in denial my friend

[@raduaurelian]

@@MrBigotes503 I am not interested in competing with anyone is so simple to be what and who I am.

[@SignifyTerra]

Bush looks way too dope in that photo

[@tmoe_ow2523]

you mean Obama?

[@OnlineSupportTeam]

Because McCain arms were broken when he was POW making his hugs and hand movement awkward

[@cristianitsirc6830]

Yeah, he does look like a dope

[@edmonix6457]

Rofl he honestly looks 'Boss'

[@AdmiralHipper15]

@@OnlineSupportTeam He's talking about the cowboy photo...

[@hiyoutube8013]

When he said males don't go so well when they loose their position. Reminds me of the way some of these dictators went out

[@nap.of.the.earth...]

Like Gaddafi!😨

[@SL-pg4dh]

Like Trump

[@cashfaithbiz]

Alpha male knows how to balance both masculine and feminine...

[@seadogradio]

Very good point.

[@haloed-hero]

And even more use that to their advantage in many aspects

[@ainsmas361]

Very very true. Order and chaos

[@maximus4691]

Agreed

[@EugeneHaroldKrab]

yup

[@mystictouch9]

Some Highlights from the Lecture: 5:19 The Smallest Male in the group can be the Alpha Male - The right friends or Female support can lead a smaller Male to become an Alpha Male (Connections) 6:51 How do you become an Alpha Male = Being BIG AND STRONG CAN HELP... But it's far from the only factor... Show strength and intimidating.... But also be GENEROUS!! Be very generous... Take care of the BABY INFANTS!!! Which Carry favor for the females... Pros and Cons of Alpha Males: 8:17 Pros = Females, reproductive success... Cons = Maintenance, still have to keep your group happy IF THAT'S HOW YOU CAME INTO POWER... Highly competitive position, have to watch your back... Divide and rule strategy... Basically have to always be on your Game... Can LOSE YOUR POWER AND POSITION... Highest level ranking Alpha Male has the same stress hormone levels as the lowest beta males... The Job of the Alpha Male 10:36 - Keeps the peace in the Group = Treats everyone fairly while breaking up fights... and keeps the peace... - The most Empathic of the Group = Alpha Males provide an ENORMOUS AMOUNTS of Comfort... Presidents do this, Pope does this... Alpha Males COMFORT others!! (there is self interest involved however, of course...) *** So the Group is NOT supportive of Bullies !!! So Alpha Males are NOT usually Bullies !!! Major Highlights of the Lecture: Smaller guys can be Alpha Males SOMEONE WHO IS BIG AND STRONG AND WHO INSULTS EVERYONE IS NOT USUALLY AN ALPHA MALE.... BULLIES ARE NOT ALPHA MALES... True Alpha Males have = Leadership qualities, and is Love and respected in their communities!! The surprising science of alpha males | Frans de Waal kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIHWhH6BgZ2BZtU

[@adhardino9781]

Thanks for the effort.

[@MattRoszak]

This talk was excellent! Very informative and entertaining.

[@memeproductions5951]

Yooo I love your RPG games my dude keep up the good work

[@carloc352]

Great speech Sir: many thanks for the interesting concepts. And I had fun, too.

[@spelunkerd]

Empathy in successful alphas is intriguing, since lack of empathy is one of the few weaknesses of those with sociopathic personality traits. Try as they may, sociopaths who mimic empathy can look very awkward.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Yes, but sociopaths may be good at being demagogues. In that case they may become successful leaders of very partisan groups - and therefore very dangerous.

[@mnminnmn]

i do anything i damn well please, at any time....as long as my wife gives me permission

[@johnstarke5981]

I understand you're joking but it's pretty pathetic that people actually believe that.

[@MRGFUNKY0]

Words spoken by a true Alpha male

[@lionhartd138]

@Fookin UrBetch slang from 2012. I thought people were going to forget that STUPID word was ever even popular...

[@sylvanathornton2119]

LOL! Love it :)

[@papasfritas6071]

@@johnstarke5981 Dont get butthurt

[@dennisb1698]

Love Frans de Waal and thankfully there is finally some real science on a TED talk. Which makes me wonder how this came through the postmodern machinery that is TED.

[@russellknight7729]

893 dislikes - that's a lot of self-righteous armchair experts.

[@toxic_narcissist]

haha your so funny dude!!!!!!!1111

[@lowkeyasscharacter]

Hahahahahahaha

[@trentbell4999]

I figured it was probably a bunch of roided up gym rats who are upset that being strong doesnt make them alpha

[@marlymarmala91]

I am a feminist and I liked the video very much. Maybe you need to get educated on what a feminist is.

[@marlymarmala91]

Not necessarily. Watch the video with the sound on this time.

[@WarLasso]

This was very interesting and enlighting to me. I thought alpha males were basically the strongest individuals of their groups and they just imposed their will by force. Now I see they're actually leaders, and of course a leader is much more than that: he loves and cares their peers and seeks the well being of his group. Also, seeing the research about the level of stress, and the many responsibilities, duties and threats an alpha has to face, in my opinion the best position in a group is actually the 'second' in charge. Almost as many benefits as the alpha but without most of their cons.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

So you’re saying VP is where it’s at? 🤔

[@Je.rone_]

This probably one of my favorite Ted talks💪

[@kiwin9488]

yo sup

[@joannot6706]

As the author says it's a mischaracterization. But "alpha male" strokes the ego of many people people including some in this comment section so, unsurprisingly, they'll keep it.

[@marymacdonald1651]

The speaker is defining Alfa males as the most responsible.

[@KaiMarcad]

The funny thing is that it's the other people who get to define who is alpha, not the alpha himself.

[@107598]

You really think an alfa would go on youtube and watch a tedtalk?

[@xomox5316]

@@107598 ... did you actually watch the talk. Anywya Alpha males are not chest pounding beer drinking low IQ thugs, yeah they can do those things with the best of them but that does not define an Alpha.

[@GianfrancoFronzi]

A key marker of an Alpha Male is not having a ego driven life , that is needed by under type males that need to feel a way of becoming dominant . A real Alpha is a provider , a helper , a teacher someone that as is said in the video , priceless ..

[@BadBoy-jn3wy]

This is by far the most accurate description of alpha males I’ve ever heard

[@michaelesposito239]

I'm neither alpha or beta. I just do my own thing my own way. Some like it and some don't. That in my opinion is the best way. Just be yourself.

[@Knightgil]

And that's all there should be to it. Way too many people, and I find it to be mostly men, are way too concerned about being "alpha" or not. I can't imagine that kind of pressure that they put into themselves (or that they allow society to put onto themselves) to be healthy in any way. No surprises then that the rate of suicide for men is so high. Allow yourself to take that pressure off of you. Stop worrying about being alpha enough to feel enough. You are enough just by being yourself.

[@jrogg13]

Sometimes you recognize that you have more to offer than just looking out for yourself. Not necessarily speaking from experience but if you are good at things you can be a leader in those things and people will appreciate it and you will learn more from just trying to help

[@matthewmontalvo6795]

Omega?

[@xxaidanxxsniperz6404]

That is the true alpha mentality

[@ainsmas361]

You’re new age.

[@Dawarlord34]

"Basically, Alpha male for them is a bully ". Can't be more truly than that.

[@EventHorizon1208]

A failed Alpha is often an experienced Master Beta.

[@OfficialCoDLeaked]

lol

[@oranebrown2169]

True.

[@oranebrown2169]

That statement was accurate in both nature.

[@lesleycash7655]

lol

[@mikehunt6946]

hahahahhah

[@JessySons]

I'm just here to eat elk meat and take DMT.

[@kaano3770]

is that u joe?

[@newyorkval1478]

Have you ever tried Ayahuasca ?

[@mranderson2048]

lmao

[@snakebite2529]

Alright Rogan

[@erichkaufmann5284]

I really have done both of those things, how interesting.

[@benny5299]

wow thanks for clarifying the topic!!!

[@kimdavis5631]

This lecture was awesome. I loved it!

[@sneeringimperialist6667]

Doctor Phil says that winners do things that losers don't want to do. I'm a loser because it's a huge amount of work to be a winner, and I'm fundamentally lazy.

[@nucleargemini]

#facts

[@pugtortuga3406]

Is it lazy or is it happy? Alphas are even more stressed than true losers. Most of us just sit in the happiness matrix in between both extremes and call ourselves lazy.

[@christinah.8504]

honesty is a refreshing trait.

[@phoenixdavida8987]

@Unknown this is exactly why I don't "do" anything! but our society doesn't understand.

[@gabrielsimon2521]

Depends on what you mean by winner. I consider anyone who does what makes them happy, a winner doesn't matter what that thing is.

[@californiadreamer5968]

That was was fascinating. I would love to hear more.

[@rhondah1587]

Fantastic talk. I love all of Frans de Waal's books.

[@pavanflow8492]

How to be an actual alpha male: 1) Have an intimidating posture. 2) Build better relationships with people around you. 3)Be generous. 4) Throw babies in the air. 5)Settle disputes and fights. 6) Have empathy for the distressed.

[@joelstephenson8017]

Yes. We need to throw babies in the air.

[@12345amsu]

Throw babies in the air? Lol

[@tlamelokgosimalebe3119]

"Throw babies into the air" 😂😂😂🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@dariusthurman8835]

Power Corrupts but so does Powerlessness.

[@VVayVVard]

Simply being average is enough to corrupt, too. It'll make people try to conform to the group, without using their own brains. It's really hard to get to the point where you're completely free of any and all psychological constraints, at least without serious effort like constantly challenging oneself, meditating etc.

[@keith5309]

I think insecurities corrupt. Its the cause for the pursuit of power, which typically leads to narcissistic tendencies and is the main cause for "bully alphas"

[@SunshineSuperstar]

@@keith5309 Yeah of course! Insecurities are such a destructive force it's unbelievable!

[@TheJustinhcase]

So interesting to basically see the origins of politics being displayed so clearly, and having the exact same negative impact on the group as our evolved form seems to exhibit.

[@aves4081]

Incredible primatologist! I highly recommend his books.

[@robertj.thirlby8166]

Great stuff. Enjoyed this.

[@jerrywhidby.]

Alpha male is just a male who other males see as a strong leader. You recognize their qualities instinctively. They are not bullies by default. A hero is an alpha male, but a gang leader can also be an alpha male.

[@christosarcher8759]

Your icon made me think there was a hair on my screen.

[@Anthonydu01630]

Gang leader are not bullies, they are buisnessman. Gang leader arent violent for nothing, if they are its because a rival gang took his teritory or something like that but they will never harm an innocent

[@daddydeadpool9871]

@@Anthonydu01630 that's one of the most asinine things I've ever heard in my entire life.

[@phoenixdavida8987]

@@christosarcher8759 me too! LOL.

[@ishthefish9006]

@@Anthonydu01630 gang leaders arent usually that intelligent not like organized mafias

[@torjones1701]

Not one of the "how to be an alpha male" books I've read is about how to be a bully. They were all about how to be confidant in your capabilities, how to be assertive WITHOUT being a bully, watch your body language and eliminate as many submissive behaviors as you can, Listen attentively, be physically and mentally fit, practice honesty, learn people skills. Those are hardly the skill sets of bullies, in fact they are pretty much the OPPOSITE of being a bully.

[@squatch545]

But alpha males are not confident, as evidenced by their high cortisone levels. They may act confident, but it's just an act.

[@torjones1701]

Irrelevant. It doesn't matter if they actually are confident or not, but that they display the confident traits to others. Even psychopaths who are actually incapable of feeling compassion for others, can still provide comfort to others by going through the motions. Further, higher cortisol level do not actually indicate that the person/primate is not as confident as they are portraying, but that they are concerned about others. You can be fully confident in your own capacity and still care about other people's well being, it's called NOT being a psychopath...

[@squatch545]

It's not irrelevant. There's a world of difference between being confident and acting confident. A book can't teach you how to be confident. That only comes about through experience and self understanding. And high cortisone levels are indicative of stress, not empathy. People who are not actually confident, but merely act confident, will have higher stress, and thus higher cortisone levels. That was my point.

[@torjones1701]

Yes, there is a world of difference between being confident and acting confident. However, as has been shown repeatedly, acting confident leads to being confident. If you know what you're doing, but don't act like it, nobody will believe that you do know what you're doing, and so, kill your confidence levels. However, when you know what you're doing and ACT like you know what you're doing, others treat you like you know what you're doing, and your confidence rises. Nothing has changed but how you portray yourself to others, your behavior, how you act. Also, you have to act confident before you can actually be confident, that too is something that has been proven through studies. What is irrelevant is your correlation of cortisol with confidence. (Just as an aside, Dr de Waal was referencing cortisol not cortisone. The are very similar and highly related, but different steroids. Cortisol is in the glucocorticoid class rather than the pregnane class as cortisone is. Since he was specifically referring to glucocorticoids, cortisol is the correct steroid, not cortisol.) Confidence, or lack there of, does not closely correlate with high cortisone. Not having the requisite confidence is only ONE OF MANY potential sources of stress, and the other sources of stress, such as having empathy for others, are far more than sufficient to indicate a rise in cortisol, and are more closely correlated. And yes, having actual empathy for others, and not just going through the motions of signaling your empathy, does result in a stress reaction on the part of the person empathizing with others. There's a big difference there too.

[@squatch545]

Acting confident does not lead to being confident. Not sure what you mean by "As has been shown repeatedly". I wasn't correlating cortisol with confidence, I was correlating it with stress. (Incidentally, cortisol and cortisone are both steroids, and both glucocorticoids. They are structurally different, with cortisol having an aldehyde group attached to the 17th carbon of the steroid core carbon skeleton. Cortisone has a ketone group instead. Cortisone is the metabolite of cortisol.). The more stress one is under, the more cortisol is present in the body. To repeat, this is what I said, "And high cortisone levels are indicative of stress, not empathy. People who are not actually confident, but merely act confident, will have higher stress, and thus higher cortisone levels. That was my point." Your body knows whether you are actually confident, or whether you are just pretending. You can't fool your adrenal glands.

[@kirtishalaka387]

Fantastic piece of information! 👏🧠

[@samudrajs5409]

I want a full documentary series by this guy. Please

[@kingkobra1978]

Alpha male is the combination of great power and responsibility.

[@BFCnational]

Then I guess Peter Parker is the ultimate alpha

[@howtosaveabillion9362]

An alpha male is just a leader. Its simple. Bullies don't always lead. Bullies can be loners. That's not an alpha male.

[@rmcd823]

How to Save a Billion The group doesn’t approve bullies.

[@roeazy]

They can be loners

[@LauraJuarez-ds5ju]

Not all bullies are alpha males though.

[@abyssmanur3965]

How to Save a Billion Idiots always govern though.

[@LoseControlForDeath]

there are also leaders who are loners, the more rare type but they are usually the people who inspire others to individuality and strenght of the mind and body

[@ryanmiller705]

I love how the Ted Talks always rewrite my knowledge about the topic.

[@Ackotoctoc]

The thing that gets one the closest of being an alpha male is to fully accept yourself and appreciate yourself the way you are, not to mention also respecting other people, but still standing up for yourself whenever needed

[@Joefest99]

Jordan Peterson brought me here after making me clean my room.

[@jake4101]

Joefest99, congrats, you'll soon be the toppest lobster! Remember to pet a dog. 🤣🤣🤣

[@barbatvs8959]

A gayish "liberal" guy always talks about Peterson like he's great but he confuses the brain with the mind and believes in racist IQ. The brain is physical so it is a slave to physics which the mind can't be since the mind is free to make decisions influences notwithstanding.

[@solank7620]

BARBATUS 89 There is nothing racist about IQ. IQ is immensely important and predictive of all sorts of things. Tying it to race confuses correlation with causation. It is not an intrinsic thing. For instance many believe Jews have the highest IQ - and this used to be true. It isn’t true anymore, and Jewish academic performance has fallen off a cliff (they are now wildly over-represented at our top Ivy’s for reasons that are not entirely clear). It has been hypothesized this may be due to being further removed from first generation immigrant status, socioeconomic changes, or poorer less successful Jews and Orthodox Jews having more children. Take any group filtered by anything, whether it be race or whatever, and if the less intelligent do most of the breeding, obviously their intellectual capacities will fall.

[@barbatvs8959]

Solan K 42 minutes ago BARBATUS 89 There is nothing racist about IQ. IQ is immensely important and predictive of all sorts of things." Important for racists is irrelevant. Useful is irrelevant. Science means knowledge, not "important in your opinion" nor "useful in your opinion." The racism in IQ is that it implies races have different levels of intelligence. Inequality of intellect is a racist notion because it implies some races are superiour to others in that paramount factor. "Tying it to race confuses correlation with causation. It is not an intrinsic thing." So you agree with me that the brain is not the thinker? If the brain is the thinker like most IQ believers assume, then since genes vary by race, then so would intelligence be genetically inherited. "For instance many believe Jews have the highest IQ - and this used to be true." PFF!! Right after trying to place a politically correct mask onto the hideously racist face of IQ (Imbecile Quest,) you say that Jews used to be a superiour race. Way to contradict yourself! Hahaha! And Ashkenazim aren't Jewish. Jews come from Mesopotamia, meaning they have to look more like Nebuchadnezzar than like Hitler. Blond Jews is as unrealistic as Aztec Jews. Don't forget my questions, racist.

[@alieniverson8139]

Jordan Peterson 😂😂

[@diogeneslantern18]

Toppest lobster 🎩🦐

[@Snowhawlk]

If you actually read the study JP cites for his claims regarding the behaviours of lobsters it says almost completely different things about them. A lot of his claims are a big stretch, to put it kindly. I implore you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions instead of taking what JP says as gospel, to be honest its the logical thing to do and i'm sure JP would agree it is best to be intellectually honest.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Emily, if you're referring to my original comment I, I must inform you that as really don't care to read up on academic journals in respect of lobsters of all topics :)

[@diogeneslantern18]

I knew you'd write some silly little retort like that and assume that I was some Peterson sycophant. The truth of the matter is, it has no bearing on my life nor yours for that matter. I don't listen to Peterson nor subscribe to his "12 Rules". I wrote the comment as a reference to the meme. Referring to people as "sheep" ... Grow up, for your own sake.

[@craigdangerous]

which one are you referring to specifically? there are several studies and they mostly agree on the points that JP talks about... which is why he talks about them.

[@TheAmargi]

Long live Hierarchy!

[@SchoolVideosGoHere]

Fascinating stuff. I wish there was more research on/more included about female-driven Bonobo hierarchies; it might provide an interesting light as we move to having even more female leaders.

[@ChapterMasterADO]

Wrong: Alpha doesnt "have to" he wants to care for others. That is one of the biggest conflict any alpha has. To want to do as one pleases. But his big heart wont allow him to not help. In my honest humble opinion.

[@TheAiriph]

Well, what does having a big heart even mean? Alphas have to care for others because he understands that he is nothing without the community, he understands he needs to empathize. "Have to" and "want to" is essentially the same things except "Have to" is more critical.

[@ishthefish9006]

Its your opinion but the fact is alphas are the leaders they must control and console there unit as whole

[@danzigvssartre]

To summarise: “Alpha” as in “allow me to help” and “Beta” and “beta do as I say or I will beat you up.”

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

5:49 This reminds me of Elwood in Blues Brothers 2000, when he's explaining why they all wear black suits, black ties, black sunglasses, and black hats. As a show of unity, of power, of superiority in numbers.😅

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

NM AT Sorry, no idea what you were trying to say...

[@imahappy946]

That movie didn't happen.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Ima Happy Sorry, I liked it. Not nearly as good as the original, but still enjoyed it.

[@BritishBoy1971]

Just like the famous 1960s David Bailey photo of the London gangsters, The Kray Twins. Google it!

[@aaroncook9425]

Michael Berthelsen plz sub to alpha samo

[@tonyridler5314]

"Whatsoever, you do, to the least, of my others, that you do, unto me"!

[@ziggy33399]

Good talk. Thank you. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@surendra1990]

In the eightees, I had a colleague that could literally cast a spell on any one he wanted. I was the only one who did not fall in line ( as I was jealous). But now going back, I could see that he did every thing copy book from caring to sharing, exactly as narrated as a typical alpha would do.

[@kumarsatyam3314]

I have the exact same experience

[@stepbysteptom]

I love informative this is and how it displays that we are primates. Not to degrade humans but to show animals are our equals.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@dadisman6731]

Very true. This needs to be taught in schools.

[@loydcollins2899]

I almost peed myself when he described ( at 10:37 ) the obligations of the alpha male. I just can't reconcile that with what we are experiencing at this moment.

[@NessieAndrew]

This video made me watch a 50 minute documentary on chimps. It was amazing.

[@rebeliousgoat46]

I'm finally going to cover myself in crunchy peanut butter. Wish me luck

[@clownmakemesmile]

b...but think of the children!

[@marklewis4793]

..GooD LucK!

[@aidanwalker5019]

Break a leg.

[@leveljoe]

Tie your dog up first, I speak from experience...

[@themanyone]

Don't comment. You'll probably have to make one of five goofy announcements to keep the game going. Uh oh. Oops!

[@MarkNiceyard]

Very inspiring insight for evaluating people.

[@NguyenTran-eq2wg]

Wonderful talk! Thank you!

[@bon12121]

10:45 girl in red top right super digging this lecture.

[@Trendle222]

HAHA just looked at her, what a goofball ! its like she is just beyond fascinated with the talk lmao

[@Trendle222]

i keep rewinding looking at her and now im laughing so hard im in fukin tears LOL , omg she is a total moron! LMAO!!!

[@santaara20]

Robert222 Lewis whya total moron ja?

[@user-vp9xn3wb7v]

😂😂😂😂

[@CNW0]

- - O

[@angelicacushing6032]

Does this guy even lift, Bro?

[@haloed-hero]

😂😂🤣

[@bashfulray7982]

Ehhh bro u need a spot

[@QuackerJack09]

I dont know if i should sort this video in my science/nature list or my character development list. To be honest, i didn,t expect that this video is so fascinating and interesting.

[@DrugMusicNFT]

Great video. Learned a lot

[@hannanyousin5641]

Alpha males are independent . Independence comes through confidence. Confidence comes through courage. Courage comes through their various strengths. Strength comes through constant learning and implementation. Latter comes throgh the motivation. Motivation is mainly a powerful and attractive alpha male. Hope, it helps.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

I am a Alpha Male and a Wolf. I am a team player, leader and would help a man, woman, child in need as has happened with myself @ age 19 drunk laying in the road rescued by a total stranger which I am forever thankful for.

[@ziggamalay]

Thats a damn good talk right here!

[@reprobate337]

Really interesting. Takeaway being that real leadership is as much about compasion, alliances and fairness as it is about strength and dominance. The resonates with my experience

[@MegaSnail1]

Thank you for your critical research. We can learn so much about ourselves through observing our closets cousins. Particularly their survival strategies which should be appreciated and respected in all creatures.

[@Therealw1]

Truly an expert and pioneer in his field. Great talk - this is why I subscribe to TED!

[@boutchie06]

I like men who don't care whether they are alpha, beta, theta, whatever. I have developed beyond my lizard brain.

[@purpletonkadog]

Then why are you signaling to the group that you're so highly developed?

[@boutchie06]

Joe, you’re not a good judge of character, I’m a married woman with three dogs, no cats.

[@boutchie06]

Joe, wrong again, why don’t you just go away.

[@democratictotalitariansoci1462]

I like women who don't have to challenge me, or they do it discrete.

[@redpillsatori3020]

boutchie06 ..virtue!?! Oh virtue where are you!??!

[@Msmotionocean]

Great video!!

[@matthewludivico1714]

Very intriguing talk

[@kinngrimm]

In a SciFi book i read called "Gen Traders" by Octavia E. Butler a theory was put into my mind ever since which i still think about how much there is to it. It was said that one of our biggest problems as humans is our hierarchically way of selforganisation. From an ethical aswell society perspective i wonder at times, especially when i see biologist or behaviour scientist describe how we are.

[@avigindratt7608]

What is the theory of hierarchy exactly? That it is bad? Fundamental critique of hierarchy is actually a form of anarchism, as I understand it. Me likey.

[@newt7590]

Reminds me of the "nice guys finish last" line. "Nice" guys actually aren't nice at all. They're antisocial so they define that as nice & expect others to reach out to them. They themselves never reach out to anyone else or help anyone else or give to anyone else.

[@DivergentStyles]

But that is not actually nice.. you know there are selfless people who just help people because they think it is the right thing to do. What you are discribing is a very manipulative person.

[@lorddevilfish5868]

That’s one of the major messages of Evangelion

[@rexblack8170]

i was reading the Japanese light novel Overlord and in volume 11 the author made a perfect alpha male. one that gives and make sure his rivals get a huge share so they cooperate with him and he is kind and smart and only used the strength once when he wanted to beat the previous alpha male

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

The most illuminating part of this presentation was gaining the knowledge that Newt Gingrich read a book. 📖

[@FreeFlow__]

An alpha protects life, innocence. The real substance of consciousness.

[@moritz3168]

Yeah! Thas why you should go vegan!

[@tayinternational]

Great info , but why does he think babies dont like the " high flying position" ? most babies I have had contact with love being tossed up in that position , and its a great arm/shoulder workout .

[@MrTwotimess]

I avoid the high flying babies - milky vomit is not the nicest thing to deal with.

[@tayinternational]

NuxVom 😅 true that’s why it’s best to start slow and see if they give any hints that they may vomit . And of course the mom is always close by to clean me up if that does happen .

[@leveljoe]

It's how you teach a tiny child that dangerous things can also be fun...

[@Hirnlego999]

I hated being thrown up in the air, because the landing is not as soft as many think.. hands are rather hard. This is fun for the adults but not for the kids, also because they cannot control the situation. A lot of people do not even notice that they stroke a cat way too hard, they clearly demonstrate discomfort in that happening.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I agree, babies like to rise above the adults.

[@StephiSensei26]

Fine video. Fine talk. Thank you.

[@TheTimWalczyk]

where can I get the photos from 4:37 or 5:38?