The ‘alpha male’ myth, debunked

The ‘alpha male’ myth, debunked | Frans de Waal

Рет қаралды 628,094

Күн бұрын

Primatologist Frans de Waal inadvertently popularized the term ‘alpha male.’ Now, he’s debunking common stereotypes to explain what an ‘alpha male’ really is - empathetic and protective.
Subscribe to Big Think on KZbin ► / @bigthink
Up next, Berkeley professor explains gender theory ► • Berkeley professor exp...
All social animals establish hierarchies, but being an “alpha male” is not merely about strength or intimidation, according to primatologist Frans de Waal. An alpha male can often be a figure admired for empathy and protectiveness.
De Waal criticizes the misconception of the term as synonymous with a bully. He further explores the concept of gender, arguing its flexibility and highlighting the existence of significant individual variability in behavior among primates. De Waal emphasizes empathy as a key factor in social cohesion, suggesting it might hint at morality among primates.
Despite our advancements, he believes humans are fundamentally similar to primates emotionally and socially.
0:00 What is an alpha male?
1:25 ‘Chimpanzee Politics’ and the 1980s cultural fervor
2:20 The alpha male is not a personality type
3:34 Sex & gender: Donna the chimp
5:38 We’re apes with technology and college degrees
Read the video transcript ► bigthink.com/series/legends/a...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Frans de Waal:
Dr. Frans B. M. de Waal is a Dutch/American behavioral biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behavior and social intelligence of primates. His first book, Chimpanzee Politics (1982), compared the schmoozing and scheming of chimpanzees involved in power struggles with that of human politicians. His scientific work has been published in hundreds of technical articles in journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and outlets specialized in animal behavior. His popular books - translated into 20+ languages - have made him one of the world's most visible primatologists. His latest books are Mama’s Last Hug (Norton, 2019) and Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist (Norton, 2022). De Waal is C. H. Candler Professor Emeritus at Emory University and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Utrecht University. He has been elected to the (U.S.) National Academy of Sciences as well as the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2007, Time declared him one of "The World's 100 Most Influential People Today."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read more of our stories from Big Think+:
What is empathy training and why do we need it?
► bigthink.com/plus/empathy-tra...
The 5 executive leadership skills that matter most
► bigthink.com/plus/executive-l...
How to develop emotional intelligence training for leaders and managers
► bigthink.com/plus/emotional-i...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Big Think | Smarter Faster™
► Big Think
Our mission is to make you smarter, faster. Watch interviews with the world’s biggest thinkers on science, philosophy, business, and more.
► Big Think+
Looking to ignite a learning culture at your company? Prepare your workforce for the future with educational courses from the world’s biggest thinkers. Trusted by Ford, Marriot, Bank of America, and many more. Learn how Big Think+ can empower your people today: bigthink.com/plus/?...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want more Big Think?
► Daily editorial features: bigthink.com/?...
► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: bigthink.com/subscribe/?...
► Facebook: bigth.ink/facebook/
► Instagram: bigth.ink/Instagram/
► Twitter: bigth.ink/twitter/

Пікірлер: 2 400

@bigthink 10 ай бұрын

Is there anything you'd add to this perspective on 'alpha males'?

@IgorSinitsky 10 ай бұрын

break up fights ? not always ! High level of empathy ? Not always? etc. Main thing = they , from the stars , have better expectance from social interaction in general . (agressive or not)

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

Just that "alpha" is a label for a position in the hierarchy, not a description of a certain type of personality. And as de Waals points out, all social animals have social hierarchies, and there is competition for the top spot (alpha). But that position can be occupied by a wide range of different personality types -- from the empathetic characters he describes to the more aggressive and manipulative types (no shortage of examples in history, business, and politics). Who rises to the top depends not just on individual characteristics (e.g., looks, social intelligence) but on the health the group itself.

@IgorSinitsky 10 ай бұрын

@@Arven8 no

@rubydragon1034 10 ай бұрын

@@Arven8 Go to your local military base. There you will find very specific personality types in top leadership positions. You will never find a shy, nervous or cowardly man leading other men. Never. Keep lying to yourself.

@KDunn-st7ue 10 ай бұрын

My takeaway-- we may be the fanciest ones around, but we are merely primates at the end of the day.

@DeadEyeJedi 10 ай бұрын

Anyone who declares themselves 'Alpha' automatically broadcasts their insecurity anyway, if you have to remind people that you consider yourself 'in charge', you probably aren't in charge.

@adityashukla517 10 ай бұрын

Or maybe you are in charge.

@DeadEyeJedi 10 ай бұрын

@@adityashukla517 You may think you are, but if people are needing to be reminded that you are, then you aren't really making a good impression of being so.

@myguykaikai9215 10 ай бұрын

That’s exactly why Trump constantly claims to be the best and most capable at everything. The question is whether he’s even aware of reality. I suspect not.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

Why would it be a myth? Like all social sciences and like the animal kingdom, there are fuzzy lines, but it doesn't mean that such concepts are not patent and clear. The trick is to stop getting sucked in by people who say you are stuck in 'weakling status' or any other status. This has never been true and film and culture used to remind people that everyone could develop characteristics of strength, which many 'alphas' will be born with. No one ever specifically said that alphas were unkind. That is 1 archetype out of 100 which you are fixating on. Were the ancient Greek, epically strong, muscled and mentally powerful archetypes unkind? Don't think so. It's a very underhand thing to deny people the growth they can have in life. Of course, if you want to keep some of the sensitivities, which helped you connect to certain groups who you are fond of, when you were a meeker person, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. No one, not a single soul ever said that yin and yang can't co-exist in a person.

@DeadEyeJedi 10 ай бұрын

@@tommckellen342 I didn't say it was a myth. Kinda 'underhand' of you to say I did. What I said was that if you have to keep reminding people that you are in charge, you probably aren't in charge, because you have to keep reminding them that you are in charge. That's the issue with a lot of so called 'Alpha Males', they are scared that unless they announce their 'Alpha-Malehood', no-one will respect them, which kind of defeats the point.

@WolfetoneRebel1916 10 ай бұрын

The term was originally coined by American Biologist David Mech in the 70s, specifically regarding wolf social structures. He later rejected the idea once research brought to light that wolf pack hierarchy is familial rather than based on any kind of trait - the mother and father wolf co-dominate the pack and as the younger wolfs grow, then split off and form their own packs. So, even the meaning for which the term was originally designated is already meaningless.

@nunyabiz6952 10 ай бұрын

Just saved me some time. 👍

@martinjugolin2087 10 ай бұрын

Aren't male gorillas alpha males?

@donnie9001 10 ай бұрын

just cause he retracted doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There is still a dominant couple in that hiearchy, which is the alpha. Any tribe, there is always a leader...

@Seldomheardabout 10 ай бұрын

If Marie Curie said radiation doesn't exist- you gonna believe her, or your lying eyes?

@jeremiahnoar7504 10 ай бұрын

wouldn't you just call the 'father' an alpha-male, if he has much of the same roles as an alpha-male?

@Oceansta 9 ай бұрын

"Empathy is the core of human morality " Supremely underrated insight.

@gkacademy1594 9 ай бұрын

Suppressing others in order to build so called civilization has always been homo sapiens core. Empathy is definitely not its core.

@Oceansta 9 ай бұрын

@@gkacademy1594 statement still holds. Not all humans possess morality.

@csx3180 9 ай бұрын

Also a dangerous thing to say, what about those of us that are "empathetically challenged" should we be dehumanized? Lacking strong empathy doesn't mean you can't act altruistically, it's a matter of principle.

@Oceansta 9 ай бұрын

@@csx3180 there are always exceptions to the norm. Nothing new about that.

@golDroger88 9 ай бұрын

It's a void statement because morality is relative. What it really means is "let me control you" but only really intelligent people will see through the manipulation.

@ButterflyonStone 9 ай бұрын

Absolutely - something we have totally forgotten in our society - leadership and power is about looking after your group, not exploiting them. Certainly, you can exploit and bully people if you want to have 'authority', but at the first opportunity, your group will drop you like a stone, and there'll be no help on the way down.

@swiatlojest9136 9 ай бұрын

that's communism and it worked for half a century

@TruthSeekerSyco 9 ай бұрын

The irony in this is that we are getting ruled and scammed by psychopathic elites, globally

@AliJr_MetalGames_MetalGuitar 8 ай бұрын

This is exactly what happened in my group to the only guy that was given the most serial favors.

@Artaxerxes. 7 ай бұрын

You can't exploit people who're stronger than you to begin with

@ArmedAngryAtheist 10 ай бұрын

Anyone that claims to be an alpha isn't.

@Leo-mr1qz 10 ай бұрын

💯

@foxbat51 10 ай бұрын

I definitely am.

@RichLuciano1 10 ай бұрын

That's because they're too busy stealing your lunch money

@donnie9001 10 ай бұрын

@@foxbat51 thanks for proving their points...YOU ARE THE NOT ALPHA! GOODBYE

@barbarella.artist 10 ай бұрын

Factual

@harrynac6017 10 ай бұрын

Also an interesting book of Frans de Waal: "Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are?"

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

Yes. Good read. My takeaway: No, we are not. :)

@AnimosityIncarnate 10 ай бұрын

@@Arven8Anybody with this take has my respect. Understanding the futility of existing as a bein and not being so supremacist in any fashion regardless of what it's aimed towards is such a rare character trait.

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

@@AnimosityIncarnate Thanks. That is a nice thing to say, especially for someone who is animosity incarnate. :)

@fuckamericanidiot 10 ай бұрын

@@AnimosityIncarnateI am better than a slug. I an unashamedly human supremacist. Not all humans of course. You are unashamedly misanthropic. You do not have my respect. People haters find it much easier to hurt people.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@Chepis96 10 ай бұрын

This video really made me think of my dad..Growing up and now even more I see the way my dad is held with so much respect by the men & women around him (he has a lot of associates& friends). I truly feel if I’ve ever seen a human “alpha” it’d be someone like my him. He checks most boxes In this video. Highly empathetic and what I consider to be a gentle leader. people come to him for advise & guidance. he’s got lived experience to back his words, Is honest without being rude and has a way about him that pulls people in when he speaks. I love that guy. Maybe I’m biased !hahaha

@samrousculp4306 10 ай бұрын

I feel this way to towards my dad. ❤️ empathic, creative, quiet unless mad, protective, caretaker. He’s actually an undertaker too. But mom always had coffee, trash taken out, gas filled, working 60 hours a week, runs his own funeral home. Whatever we needed, material or communication, showing up for events, he was always there.

@hugokim4691 10 ай бұрын

You guys are so sweet for your dad :)

@Meatlover971 10 ай бұрын

you're the lucky one

@filibbensaid1617 10 ай бұрын

It's beautiful to see that you* value your father so profound and genuinely. It makes me very happy that some people are fortunate to experience what many of us have not. I truly wish more men would see the beauty of aiming to be a gentle leader - or simply embracing gentility more - rather than bullying.

@shaunre8363 10 ай бұрын

I doubt you're being biased, we tend to hold are parents to an extremely high standard and are usually very tough on them. I bet your dad is exactly the person you think he is, a great human being!

@Franciscus_deWaal 10 ай бұрын

Alpha males were first mentioned by Swiss wolf expert and ethologist Rudolf Schenkel, in 1947. The term was further promoted for wolves by David Mech before he began to question it. But now the term is back, also for wolves. There is, for example, an entire books series about alpha wolves by Rick McIntire, who studied the species in Yellowstone for 40 years, starting with “The Rise of Wolf 8.” His books convey the same message as I give in this interview: the personalities of alpha wolves vary greatly, there are nice ones and brutal ones.

@thstroyur 10 ай бұрын

Based on the nick, I take it you're the speaker? In that case, I'll take the liberty to (respectfully) offer my two cents - emboldened further by the fact I assume you probably don't care what a random person thinks or has to say, nor will even respond. If your whole point in 'debunking' the whole 'alpha male myth' (to use the words of the title) is a technical point concerning animal behavior couched on your own area of expertise, then fair enough - I don't really have a dog (or a bonobo) in this fight. My chagrin with this particular topic, however, is exemplified by the comment section: by mixing in politics and extrapolating observations to human behavior (and even morality!), people jump to all sorts of detrimental conclusions about themselves and our society, which are simply not warranted, and frankly backwards. I'm not an idiot, I realize that humans happen to be primates (a category scheme that _we_ came up with, BTW) - so it'd _seem_ that primatology has a lot to say about our nature; and it does, insofar as mere biology is concerned - but the relevance is stretched too far by materialistic assumptions that run deep both in academia and Western culture in general. It is important to keep in mind that there's an abyss of difference between such assumptions being mainstream, and them being actually true; that said, I find it questionable of BT to stretch your expertise to the realm of human politics and society, and present it as such, as opposed to merely your personal opinion - that is, if my impression of this presentation is correct. But if that's the case, unfortunately it wouldn't be this channel's first ideology-driven rodeo; I'm still subbed merely because I abhor echo chambers, poster children and catalysts of intellectual immaturity - even though, technically speaking, 'Big Think' qualifies as one 😂 Have a nice day 😀

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@teo2975 10 ай бұрын

Prof. deWaal. I agree with some of the points you made. but really overall I have to say I think "BigThink" -- as usual -- is erecting a gigantic strawman. I think you are playing into that. The presence of subtleties, or even outliers, does not in fact invalidate the core data and phenomena. The phenomena of alphas in many mammals, and certainly in primates is "not a myth." Also outliers and some variety of behavior do not invalidate the basic objective binary fact of gender.

@jamiedorsey4167 10 ай бұрын

The video title is a bit confusing. I actually read it as debunking the debunking (myth) of the alpha male. Essentially saying that there is such a thing as alpha males. The description says he's debunking the stereotype of what an alpha male is.

@teo2975 10 ай бұрын

@@jamiedorsey4167 It is "BigThink" which is famous for inaccuracies and clickbait -- so no surprise.

@TheJoscelyne 10 ай бұрын

So the alpha in the group reflects the group's values. If the group values cruelty and aggression, they will follow a bully, but if the group values empathy and fairness, they will follow a leader.

@bloodcarnage8285 10 ай бұрын

from what i have seen alphas are pushed into existence by regular humans collective psyche . the group members project certain things they want their leader to be. its not an instant process but its lifelong. you have been developing a alpha on your mind from birth. when time arises you will project your wishes onto a leader. take trump for instance, in our human history that was new because he was shallow but the group consciousness saw him as necessary evil. its somewhat 2 way street . alpha also works towards molding into this image that common people have in mind all their life.

@burazfly 10 ай бұрын

Yea, but it's also situational. Those who don't have geographical access to resources will definitely be less developed and helpful than those who have.

@UTubeISphere 10 ай бұрын

Follow the leader, or obey the leader or perhaps select, elect, support the leader by means of alliances.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@theycallmemontyxx3677 10 ай бұрын

but according to who a bully is not a leader? It depends on how you define what a leader means. if a society values cruelty over empathy, then the cruellest is set to be a leader. As for the definition of an alpha male, he's worthy to become a leader.

@jasonburger7576 10 ай бұрын

The biggest and most essential point in this video is that being “alpha”, aka the top of the social hierarchy, does not mean to be an assh*le. Usually these people will self proclaim alpha without garnering the respect needed. You can be a good person while having a strong will and sometimes it takes a strong willingness to do a harsh thing for the good of the social group. It does not mean you beat down everyone around you, it means to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of others and having them fulfill the roles they are best suited for

@bluemas5 10 ай бұрын

I think that’s called manipulation

@jasonburger7576 10 ай бұрын

@@bluemas5 no, manipulation is usually based on selfish gain without an overall outlook on the health of the group

@mrkeeny 10 ай бұрын

you'd still have to defeat the insecure 'alpha' who would kick you puny arse , all sounds good on paper

@harrynac6017 10 ай бұрын

In another video he talked about empathetic leaders and brutal ones. The empathetic leaders usually reigns for a long time, the others like the leader to lead them. While the brutal ones are usually overthrown much earlier, and in a brutal way, they don't end up well.

@WoodlandGangsta-fm7xy 10 ай бұрын

If you verbally state you are an alpha then most likely you are not an alpha

@Adjecyca98 7 ай бұрын

I'm such an alpha. I told my boss to step down because he wasn't an alpha... I got fired.

@SuspiriaX Ай бұрын

You're supposed to just start your own group not social climbing the alpha of an existing group. If such a climb were to be "successful" then the group will significantly rearrange which usually results in its destruction. So it's a good thing you got fired because if you had taken down the alpha you'd have put the entire group at risk. This is nothing personal it's just that the group was shaped in a very specific way by this alpha and they have selected its members to fit their exact vision.

@unHingedBaddie 10 ай бұрын

I’m from an African country and an alpha male in my community is a man that is compassionate, reliable, trustworthy and protective of his family and people. Someone that is respected and everyone knows that when he’s around every manly task/chore will be completed. He is kind and respectful also. For instance if there’s a traditional ceremony, he will be the one to slaughter the animal, help with everything needed for the guests to feel comfortable like assemble stretch tents, chairs, pick up guests that might need to be picked up from specific locations, butcher the meat, buy groceries, etc.. The one that’s always talkative, promiscuous, a bully and arrogant is often considered useless.

@user-rx7uh9mg4f 9 ай бұрын

Traditionally, same for the middle east. Being alpha meant serving the people/family. In return they would get *earned* respect and the last word in a important matters. It's an exchange not oppression.

@unHingedBaddie 9 ай бұрын

@@user-rx7uh9mg4f very true! These type of men are a blessing to have around, things go and flow effortlessly.

@joedirago14 5 ай бұрын

You would have a very hard time adjusting to life in America if you came here

@willsimpson3783 10 ай бұрын

Being an alpha doesn't mean being an a**hole. People really don't get that.

@tiberseptim8434 10 ай бұрын

„Being an alpha“ isn’t really a thing, that’s the takeaway from this video.

@Danyel615 10 ай бұрын

Well I guess not necessarily, but he does acknowledge at 2:30 that that could be the case, and indeed some are, and they are alphas despite that.

@mrkeeny 10 ай бұрын

See how that works out if your in prison or other less civilised circumstances

@SameAsAnyOtherStranger 10 ай бұрын

@@tiberseptim8434The "takeaway" in this regard is that the alpha male is chosen by the group.

@CharlieRogers50 10 ай бұрын

It means being an asshole when it's time to be an asshole, and being nice when it's time to be nice.

@VivianFashionbabe 10 ай бұрын

Alpha is decided by the group, so defining an individual as alpha not only tells us about the said individual, but also reflects the culture of the society

@VivianFashionbabe 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_Gal technically 'alpha' just means leader here

@xensonar9652 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_Gal A good manager might be. One who lifts up the whole 'pack' and is respected and trusted to lead.

@bigthink 10 ай бұрын

@@VivianFashionbabe good point! And it's probably a clue that Alpha Males aren't all they're sometimes cracked up to be that the most powerful officials and people in democratic societies often aren't simply the physically strongest, don't exhibit the most stereotypically 'alpha' personality, etc.

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

That's right. Who rises to the top of the hierarchy depends not just on inherent factors (e.g., attractiveness, social ability) but on the nature of the group. Some groups are toxic (e.g., the US congress), and it's not exactly the cream that rises to the top there. More like the one most adept at playing power games.

@6dhypercube740 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_GalHave you heard of democracy? Elections?

@HarbingerOfBattle 8 ай бұрын

A message to “alphas” everywhere: If you think you’ll flip her wig, just because you’re talking big, the only word for you is “pig”.

@Polymathically 9 ай бұрын

This takes me back to my banking career. I never felt like I belonged in the corporate world, but I lasted over a decade because I knew exactly what my job was, how to excel at it, and simply treated my coworkers with respect. I started from the very bottom as a paid intern at 15, and spent my 20s in charge of branch ops, vault keeping, and audits. I was regarded as a natural leader. I was even nicknamed "The Boss", despite me being relatively low on the totem pole. Occasionally a new hire would think it was some kind of joke; how could this quiet, soft-spoken, bookish, effeminate (the term they use these days is non-binary, which is accurate in retrospect) person possibly be the one that everyone defers to? I did my job, and did it extremely well. When I worked on the retail side, I was kind and charming with clients; people remember how you make them feel, and react accordingly. But I never sugarcoated things when it came to following procedures, nor did I try to sell them things they didn't need. Clients could tell I knew what I was doing, and appreciated my honesty and efficiency. Switching to ops was a huge relief for me; all the rules were right there in black and white, with no gray areas for customer service issues. Whenever there was a balancing issue or a procedure that needed to be done/taught quickly and accurately, I was right there. If I found an error, I'd tell them directly how to fix it, and expect them to learn and do better next time. Plain and simple. The others trusted me implicitly, both working in the front and on breaks behind the scenes. I was bored out of my mind on most days, so I spent my spare time quietly reading and keeping to myself. For whatever reason, other members of the staff would come to me privately at lunch and talk about what was going on with them, how their day was going, what their stresses and fears were, what drama they were dealing with, etc. I guess they understood that I'd just listen to them without passing judgement or getting involved in office politics. One of which was actually a new manager; she was a year younger than me, intelligent, motivated, and ambitious. The others were intimidated by her (someone nicknamed her The Shark Lady), but not me. I could tell that she was trying to make a strong first impression despite this being her first managerial assignment. One night on that first week, we had to stay late to count the vault, and the buses had stopped running by the time we were done. She drove me home, and we started talking. I asked her what kind of interests she had outside of work, and she plainly said, "Nothing, work is the only thing that matters." She was still trying to put on the strong act. I sighed and said, "I see. That's sad." She gave me a look of confusion, but didn't say anything else about it. Over the next couple of weeks, I would catch her staring at me, and the scowl would disappear for a moment. Whenever we happened to have the same lunchtime scheduled and it was just the two of us, she always seemed to lighten up. She understood that she didn't have to put on the act for me. Eventually, it reached a point where whenever we stayed late to count the vault, she'd immediately cheer up when the others left. We'd put on music and sing as we did the work; she was quite fond of Journey. Of course, there were plenty of gossip and rumors, and the others made sure we had plenty of alone time. But nothing ever went that far; we both kept it professional, and parted on good terms. By the end of my career, I had worked with over a hundred staff members, had more experience than my final team combined, and helped teach some of my own managers. However, I suffered a severe mental breakdown as a result of depression over numerous issues in my personal life, as well as the company putting us in danger during the Occupy Wall Street movement. That whole thing would have to be an entirely separate post, and I won't go into that unless someone asks. I was well-respected, but they were justifiably worried. Despite everything I had done, I was forced into therapy (which saved my life), and was not allowed to return until I got better. Corporate health care covered 3 sessions, and I saw my first therapist for 6 months. After I had _just_ regained enough hope to live, I was unceremoniously terminated over the phone. After all, it's cheaper to get rid of an experienced, well-payed employee and replace them with someone younger who won't question anything. So after all of that, I ended up with nothing. So much for the "natural leader."

@tunganhnguyen7534 9 ай бұрын

Cool story.

@bartvandekerckhove7186 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing ♥

@andrewz2854 9 ай бұрын

Sounds like you did the best you could in the circumstances you mentioned and life, as usual, was not exactly fair. You should be proud of what you accomplished and the bright influence you had on others. I hope you will prosper again.

@hashamulhaq111 9 ай бұрын

Why you writing an essay on KZbin comments 😂

@Official_GG 9 ай бұрын

I resonate with your story Sir, I have one similar to yours. I would like to know you more and have a good chat if you have the time. Thank you.

@KathySierraVideo 10 ай бұрын

I’m the equestrian world, the Alpha Mare myth was a thing for a long time, then later it was concluded that “leadership” was fluid and contextual. For example, it wasn’t that the horse leading others to water was a mare and therefore “Alpha Mare”, but simply that the horse leading others to water tended to be a pregnant and exceptionally *thirsty* horse. Situational not “leadership” and certainly not a “dominance hierarchy.” But this myth drove popular horsemanship programs for decades. Today, researchers conclude we see “dominance hierarchies” in domestic groups because they are competing for resources in a dysfunctional setting… a setting they did not evolve for. (E.g. small space, delivered “meals” rather than grazing, etc.)

@Seldomheardabout 10 ай бұрын

Everything you typed sounds a lot more like your opinion rather than science.

@gajapekosak2874 10 ай бұрын

Even if he didn't quote sources, it makes a lot of sense intuitively if you think about it a bit longer. It isn't that much different than what Mech wrote in his book when he debunked theory of dominance in wolves. The idea of an alpha male in a wolf pack came from studying feral dogs and wolves in captivity, who without being related and sharing any kind of bond, did not act as a familial unit as wild wolves do, but in turn used aggressiveness to enforce their social position and compete for food. So, if you look at it that way, it is not that much different than what the commenter wrote about horses.

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

Interesting, although de Wall would disagree, from what he says here. He says every social animal creates a hierarchy, and there is competition for the top spot (alpha). Although that spot may shift depending on context -- as in your example of the horse leading horses to water (but not making them drink) -- I don't think he would agree that social hierarchies are just a function of dysfunctional settings. De Waal seems to be saying it's a part of how all social animals function.

@KathySierraVideo 10 ай бұрын

@@Arven8 for sure there are hierarchies… just that in wild *horses*, these hierarchies are more fluid/contextual, and as he said, *not* necessarily based solely on who is more aggressive / dominant. In domestic settings with scarce resources, the hierarchies DO tend toward he/she who is most “dominant/bossy” is at the “top”, and today the thinking is that this does not reflect the wild, feral, natural herd settings horses evolved in. I guess it’s more like, “hierarchies, yes. Hierarchies based on alpha/dominance, not so much (no matter how much it looks like this in non-natural settings with resource-guarding, etc.)

@Arven8 10 ай бұрын

@@KathySierraVideo Thanks for the clarification. Makes sense.

@casbot71 10 ай бұрын

The study on Wolves did get appropriate results *for a prison environment.* The wolves _weren't from the same pack,_ this was not a family and friends unit. The researcher bought wolves from all over and just threw them in together. A bunch of strangers all captured and thrown together in a cage where the toughest calls the shots through threats (and actual) violence is a prison environment. It's not really applicable to say everyday social interactions… … _*looks at the dysfunction in current American culture and ponders._

@TheClassicalKids 10 ай бұрын

Wow that’s a fascinating detail that goes conveniently unmentioned.. I’ll have to check out the full work, there must be far reaching implications for criminal justice.

@AnimosityIncarnate 10 ай бұрын

Which is the majority of our waking hours. If we take out the confined spaces, and introduce potential for reproduction, the violent males still are historically less likely to be there for very long. Loyalty is produced through empathy and understanding, not through rigid compliance, that's how you build resentment. In a social species, that relies on hierarchical structures with no external oppressive variables that are restrictive like a prison, empathy and leadership is what drive us towards the path and success we see today, not unbridled fear and violence

@UTubeISphere 10 ай бұрын

Sounds a bit like Philip Zimbardo's 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@winwinmilieudefensie7757 9 ай бұрын

In american prisons maybe or other uncivilized shitholes with equally barbaric prisons … in civilized countries that whole alpha male alpha top dog strongest crap doesnt exist .. idiots like that get mental support and healthcare …

@alecunkel2471 10 ай бұрын

People can get to the top quickly with cruelty but they almost never last. If you wanna be a great leader then you have to have empathy and fairness respect, because that is what satisfies the group of people and creates loyalty and lasting cooperation. The alpha gorillas and monkeys give the most hugs of any other males

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

Not quite. I'm sure beta males have plenty of empathy but they're still not effective leaders....tell me why.

@notname4414 9 ай бұрын

Yeah, probably gorillas and monkeys give more hugs than any other animal bc ... you know... they HAVE ARMS!!

@vibovitold 8 ай бұрын

"The alpha gorillas and monkeys give the most hugs of any other males" and alpha unicorns are giving the sweetest kisses of all

@jul.escobar 10 ай бұрын

Happy to see this in print and in bio format. Thanks for showing this clarity on a subject that has caused harmed and gaslighting damage to so many. This doc need shared broadly.

@tcmatias 10 ай бұрын

Empathy is the glue of society. Nice.

@GordonLF 10 ай бұрын

Empathy at large (towards people not close to you) is mostly grounded on common culture and race.

@cessposter 10 ай бұрын

@@GordonLFlol ok

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

Said no one throughout human history until 10 years ago.....freggin mindless kids these days....

@GordonLF 9 ай бұрын

@@Lunarquay Yes, really. Cognitive empathy is largely enhanced if you share the same culture since you can better understand what the other people feel. And of course, what we call race empathy is mostly looks.

@voidwalker9223 9 ай бұрын

@@GordonLF no not really. No more comments please.

@animamagna3077 10 ай бұрын

This talk somehow made me feel better about our species. Thank you, Dr. de Waal.

@domjal 10 ай бұрын

What, that we’re still basically apes?

@pistoljuice4062 10 ай бұрын

@@domjalbasically? we are

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@jibberism9910 9 ай бұрын

@@domjal sweet urang puntang baby

@notname4414 9 ай бұрын

Of course it made you feel better about yourself. Thats the whole point of this video. To make people like you feel better 😂

@notname4414 9 ай бұрын

"My studies show that an alpha, actually is a black, independant, lesbian women" -This guy

@untitled795 10 ай бұрын

I remember reading somewhere that typically “alpha” behavior was a sign of parents having young children and protecting them. Curious to see if this video elaborates in that

@barbarella.artist 10 ай бұрын

Well no: technically if we taking evolutionary when taking from original human behaviour Alpha males are the males that are the strongest males that spread the seeds far and wide: They don’t stay and look after kids lol and often are seen killing offspring so can breed with their mothers. / kill male young so can’t compete with them They fight and sometimes kill other males so can breed a lot during breeding season and have many of their offspring’s around. Hence came the beta male - they also wanted to breed with females so basically as an exchange would bring her and her children food / looks after them. So beta males because they stuck around where able to have their own children while the alpha males are on the F boy shit At least this is the theory of why monkeys started walking upright - cause the beta males would gather alot of food and bring it to females as an offering to accept them sexually

@untitled795 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_Gal not a good start for a debate

@untitled795 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_Gal I find that saying one thing can mean different things to different people cheapens the discussion, but semantics do exist I get that.

@AnimosityIncarnate 10 ай бұрын

@@Outstanding_GalDamn bro guess we've gotta accept all opinions with equal validity... the earth is flat from some people's objectively wrong subjective interpretation. Personal opinions don't Trump evidence and facts of the matter. Alphas simply don't exist in the human species. Unless we count the "chief" as such, but the chief at this point in the world would be the leader of a given country. I still listen and respect people's opinions, and I'm engaged in all discourse with nuance, but there's certain times where opposing views can do more harm then any good, and that's when I jump into the conversation.

@LorantNemeth 10 ай бұрын

complexity between apes and an unicellular creature is like 100 miles. And in the same time complexity between humans and apes are like 100 000 000 miles. So take this biological analogues in the view of this.

@free22 10 ай бұрын

Genetically, we are equally close to chimps and bonobos. Chimpanzees and bonobos share 99.6% of dna with humans. This guy just showed that chimp alpha males are actually collaborative and empathetic. And for bobobos, the alpha males are actually female. So yeah, he did contradict the popular misconception that the alpha male has to be male and a bully.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@free22 10 ай бұрын

@@tommckellen342I never mentioned the word myth. I think you’re responding to someone else’s comment.

@GordonLF 10 ай бұрын

@@free22 Your ¨popular misconception¨ sounded like the word ¨myth¨ to me too.

@free22 10 ай бұрын

@@GordonLF I don’t believe the concept of “alpha male” as it is popularly conveyed I’m media - you know, that the most dominant male takes over by brute force. That isn’t how real life works. This video contradicts that notion too, thus the title. “Alpha male” for some people could never mean a cooperative person, much less a female, as this video suggests.

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

Yea and humans are still different to fight with martial arts.

@ever.silva7 2 ай бұрын

Alpha male = "I have no idea what it means to be a man, so I will pretend to be one"

@andrewgrandahl 10 ай бұрын

"You may want to be an alpha male, but if your surrounding people don't see you as that, it's not going to happen."

@kingsaint7868 Ай бұрын

True that

@helpme100 10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately alpha males aren't broadcasting on social media or influencers.... Just be a male and protect lives

@AnimosityIncarnate 10 ай бұрын

@@kris3451ut it's just a word that's used to describe a leader. Words carry with them positive and negative connotations, sometimes they are context dependant, and sometimes they are nothing but positive or negative. Alpha male serves ZERO purposes outside of serving to perpetuate the negative connotations. You can think otherwise, but you would be wrong, there's more than enough literature and studies done on men that commit violence in all forms, and how Masculinity and it's terribly rigid gender roles induce MOST if not ALL of men's violent tendencies. What continue using a word, that carries with it so much baggage, when you COULD just use "leader". Especially when WOMEN can be leaders, and alpha male cuts them out of the picture entirely, unless you don't care about men commiting violence... I'm this video, he should use it, because he's the man who even started this shit. It's context dependant as a good thing. But people are generally stupid, and have no ability to deduce context dependant usage of language, the amount of semantically illiterate arguments you can get into, where people just have zero idea what you're saying or you somehow hurt their egos by debating them, is so sadly emblematic of the alpha male term lol

@Tian.S 8 ай бұрын

Debunked ? Defined, more like.

@seriousandy6656 8 ай бұрын

We didn't so much "debunk" Alpha Male as "define" Alpha Male.

@DreamsOfLegend 9 ай бұрын

People misunderstood the word "alpha" and just took it to mean "bully" as he says, but the term just basically means "LEADER" or "Top ranking person"

@matthewjonas8952 10 ай бұрын

I wonder if self-described alpha males are aware of how often women make fun of them behind their backs, thinking they're compensating for an inferiority complex. Anyone who doesn't want to be seen as an arrogant fool or an insecure loser desperate to prove something should probably stay away from the term. Even 'sigma' is becoming a stand-in for alpha among those who want the silly sense of pride without the stink of the terminology. But hey, I still love watching sigma edits of popular characters.

@scott80ca 10 ай бұрын

Agreed. Especially hilarious are those that refer to themselves as a "chad" or even better a "giga chad". More like a giga-joke.

@matthewjonas8952 10 ай бұрын

@@scott80ca I just hope they don't all really take it seriously. I mean, some of them have to be just memeing, right?... Right?

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@matthewjonas8952 10 ай бұрын

@tommckellen342 Well-written. Lovely comment. I'm wondering if you were meaning to reply to someone else, though. I certainly didn't call anything a myth, nor did I even deny the existence of a more positive conception of an 'alpha male'. I chose my words carefully when I said "self-described alpha", as these are the sort that tend to match the negative stereotype and get made fun of, as the beings that are most worth aspiring to simply exude the sought after characteristics, they don't have to announce it. That there are very real dominant characteristics that are only a benefit to those who possess them is undeniable. And if they have the kindness to match, they may represent the best of what a human can be. None of that has anything to do with brash folk who are hoping to gain some kind of social currency with people for using a label. Hell, it's not even as if calling yourself an alpha diminishes any of the positive characteristics you might have. It just speaks to a place of lack within, a desire to be immediately recognized or to gain some sort of power over others that one feels they don't have if they don't announce it. That's their road to walk, their challenge to overcome, and none of us are perfected beings. Even the most obnoxious asshole should be seen as a work in progress, afforded human dignity and the opportunity for growth. Doesn't mean that folks won't still make fun of people for what is on the outside a very obvious faux pas, but this is to be expected, as irony drives humor. I was merely musing about whether or not they are aware of this fact when so often the intent is to impress and so often the opposite is achieved. Again, I enjoyed your comment! We'd probably agree on much.

@charlesc3894 10 ай бұрын

But would women respect the guy from the opposite end of the spectrum? absolutely not

@omri9982 10 ай бұрын

An alpha male isn’t someone who brings other people down, it’s someone who lifts other people up.

@shaunre8363 10 ай бұрын

I agree, but definitely hate the "alpha male" term. I think a good male is strong enough to want to see others succeed and live their best life, however that may be. Sounds so easy, but it almost seems like a rarity today.

@notname4414 9 ай бұрын

Are you talking about animals or humans? Bc animals dont give two f*cks about others. An alpha just wanna have all females for himself and breed. And kill every other male in the process or at least keep them under his foot.

@tungstenanderson5991 7 ай бұрын

It's neither. There is no "alpha"

@notname4414 7 ай бұрын

@@tungstenanderson5991 You are talking about humans right? Bc to denie alpha's existence in the animal world, especially between mammals its the ultimate woke dellusion.

@tungstenanderson5991 7 ай бұрын

@@notname4414 Well.. but your reply is special as is that extra chromosome, so you get a pass.

@AzEagletarian 10 ай бұрын

Prof de Wall, I found your TED talk on Alpha males part way through the Trump administration. I immediately picked up on your insight and have pointed out ever since how he is antithetical to the notion of being an alpha. Learning this was very encouraging to me. Thank you VERY much for this insight. Btw, I'm also now reading your book, "Mama's Last Hug." I'm learning a lot from it, and from you. 💖

@haitaelpastor976 10 ай бұрын

Trump Derangment Syndrome? Still to this day? Come on...

@fuckamericanidiot 10 ай бұрын

@@haitaelpastor976 I know right.... Proxy wars for profit (Ukraine), a deeply corrupted EVERYTHING.....but booooo Trump. It's depressing.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@chasingdharmaify 10 ай бұрын

@@haitaelpastor976This pathetic cut and paste talking point? Still to this day? After all that's happened? An even harder "come on." Your comment shows nothing but loyalty to a washed up elderly man who can't even find the time to watch a makeup application tutorial. Other folks have morals and ethics they consult. You consult an ex-reality tv show host who may end up in prison.

@earthjustice01 9 ай бұрын

On the other hand, Jane Goodall, who also spent a lot of time with chipanzees, compared Trump to an alpha male chimpanzee.

@Claijohn 9 ай бұрын

Beautifully edited! I really want to know which software is this edited on?, how much time did it take to edit this? and is this a one man job?

@MeeesterBond17 9 ай бұрын

How to be an Alpha in three easy steps: 1. Watch "Avatar - The Last Airbender". 2. Observe the character of Uncle Iroh. 3. Use him as a role model for life.

@todddanforth8853 9 ай бұрын

"Empathy is the glue of our society."

@chadlin866 9 ай бұрын

Said no empire in the history of mankind ever. lol

@tokitobe2450 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this clarification. Too many men see "alpha male" as a man who is a bullying misogynist toward women, who refuses to view others as equals, with zero self-reflection or humility. They think being a jerk and calling themselves "alpha" will make them so, while a real alpha doesn't need to say the words.

@bettyboohadapoo 10 ай бұрын

Excellent piece and research, I've forever been interested in the 2nd place of social constructs, the wannabe. How that relationship holds or doesn't, a bit like peace time, no wars, but one is coming.

@Mr47steam 10 ай бұрын

captain America, batman and a host of other "hero" characters are always kind and protect those weaker than them, often at the cost to themselves

@OceanIgs 10 ай бұрын

This whole alpha male thing has similarities to girls being into star signs. Oh look I'm such an alpha male == Oh look I'm such a scorpio

@wakingcharade 10 ай бұрын

have you ever read a market prediction report? predicting the future, interpreting charts, caring about relative position by the minute. Rising, falling. There are bears and bulls there.

@he.5865 10 ай бұрын

What is the problem with star signs though? It's not that it is a description of personality, though it is, it is that the time of year born does not by the effects of star alignment affect personality. Yes they both describe personality, there is no problem with that. You are doing the same thing as seeing similarities between nazi policies and democrat policies, nazis think that theft should be criminalized, so do the democrats, nazi=bad, democrats share similarities therefore the democrats=bad.

@hab0272 10 ай бұрын

Thats an interesting comparison/ paralel. People certainly have a fascination for categories and identity. "Alpha ideology" seems to value competition and hierarchy where "star sign ideology" seems to value cosmic fate and uniqueness. One's category systems seem to showcase personal values rather than absolute truths

@l-I-I__Iool 10 ай бұрын

@@hab0272 Subjective vs Objective, if you will. Female vs Male values. Interesting.

@jimentusfrost2048 10 ай бұрын

It's called Astrology, and there's nothing wrong about it. The wrong thing is that people rely heavily on it. There's no scientific proof that the alignments of stars can affect someone's personality.

@francisk.cooper9596 8 ай бұрын

Great work so far. More to explore about the topic 👍🏾

@lesliep7727 10 ай бұрын

The answer is almost always “variability “ , “it depends” “sometimes yes, sometimes no” - I wish the internet society could better communicate that. Unfortunately we’re all caught it opposite extremes. But I do notice that in person, we can see nuance so much easier. It’s difficult to have disdain for someone up close.

@RichLuciano1 10 ай бұрын

He said people usually refer to alpha males as a bully. I don't believe I've ever heard that. People usually refer to bullies as bullies. Alpha males are usually referred to as a joke.

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

I'll beat ur azz luciano

@distantraveller9876 9 ай бұрын

A LOT of people do conflate those two things. Alphas are seen as dominant and strong which can sometimes (though not always) coincide with certain characteristics seen in bullies. These people are all idiots of course but a lot of people do buy into that crap. In reality bullies are usually very insecure which is why they feel the need to belittle others so they can feel better about themselves.

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

@@distantraveller9876 I'll beat ur azz axel!

@distantraveller9876 6 ай бұрын

@@StopLGBT-ss7rw Incel alert

@stevenshar1233 10 ай бұрын

I would like to see the long version of this interview. I don't think this 8 min summary does the topic justice

@lifestylelines 10 ай бұрын

So fascinating! And what an important read. I Ordered the book right away ❤

@GearZNet 9 ай бұрын

Archetypes exist. Changing the label doesn't change the fact that we can observe these social hierarchies everywhere. Behind every stereotype is some modicum of truth. Competency, hyperproductivity, leadership etc. tend to come with certain personality traits. Why does this arouse so much anger? 🤔

@jakubgoliasz4677 9 ай бұрын

Too inteligent Comment, stop doing it because No american understand This

@Akhin 8 ай бұрын

Because people use the "alpha male" narrative as an excuse to be an egomaniacal douche.

@DonesdeMotivacion 12 күн бұрын

because people will tend to resent what they ought to be but are not. That's why there's so much discontent against Christians in America.

@mike2510 10 ай бұрын

“You may want to be an alpha male, but if your surrounding people don’t see you like that, it’s not going to happen”. Same could be said for being a man or a woman.

@brynnesterraedmark5952 10 ай бұрын

A great argument for why it's good policy to shun transphobic dirtbags.

@devilman7670 10 ай бұрын

I was disappointed at his obvious contradictions.

@vibovitold 9 ай бұрын

alpha is a social status though, so it is defined through social relations. you can - and will - still be a man or a woman if you're the last person on Earth (so it's independent of external perception). you can't really be an "alpha" if you're the last person on Earth (the concept no longer makes sense).

@avocadoarmadillo7031 10 ай бұрын

I believe in leadership, earning respect, or even in being so personally effective and self-sufficient that you don't need much in community to get by. In my experience being empathetic, capable, and charismatic is much closer to 'alpha male' than being an aggressive freak or a showboater, but aggressive freaks have their place.

@vibovitold 9 ай бұрын

while the "alpha male" concept is obviously a gross oversimplification (especially in popular culture)... 1. someone has first to create and protect an environment safe and stable enough for empathy and similar traits to be rewarded (rather than abused) WITHIN this environment. this is not guaranteed, and requires some degree of aggression. for example, to repel "aggressive freaks" (either from outside or inside the society/community). 2. "alpha males" are supposed to be charismatic by definition. that's one of major defining characteristics - certainly not being a "freak".

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

That's what I see all the beta males saying here....lol...

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

Part of being alpha male is laughing at beta males....lol.... how often do you laugh at beta males?

@jfrioux 8 ай бұрын

It's hard to be in a leadership position without empathy and a community

@Peter-uo9km 8 ай бұрын

@@jfrioux are you a leader?

@moribnd 9 ай бұрын

Is there a longer version of this?

@chrislegend382 8 ай бұрын

Great breakdown by Frans. The issue with the alpha male term I find is that there isn’t one definition 1) Some say you have to lead, in particular a family so are single men capable of being alphas? 2) Someone who takes charge and leads others but do my methods have to matter? If I take charge like Genghis Khan, am I not a alpha because of the violent means to get power and control

@marc-elianbegin9221 10 ай бұрын

I very much like his analysis of sex and gender in primates, and how we should learn from their ‘no fuss’ attitude.

@alexalexalex797 10 ай бұрын

Yeah. Lets be apes. They also throw shit at eachother and eat babies. 👍

@daveyboots79 9 ай бұрын

Makes you consider the culture war being raged right now doesn't it... it seems 'fuss' is all some people have going on in their lives

@Artaxerxes. 7 ай бұрын

@@daveyboots79 its inevitable. A large portion of humans are meant be trash. A small portion are useful. It's always been this way

@NickCooper74 9 ай бұрын

This was a fantastic lecture. Thank you. Quite eye-opening.

@joaoraja 7 ай бұрын

@bigthink what’s the name of that structure behind the guy talking?

@taoyoka 10 ай бұрын

fear seems to be the glue of our society

@MonacoBlast66 10 ай бұрын

The less I think we are a highly evolved species, the more empathy I am capable of.

@RideAcrossTheRiver 10 ай бұрын

Evolution does not describe an improvement.

@bruceleefighter 10 ай бұрын

Make a video on architecture

@mreagentj608 10 ай бұрын

Well as a intern in two big companies in the netherland but i have a great experience with people from higher position. You can talk to them and they are kind to give to advice. The people who are more likely to be mean aren’t that good in there position the people that were the most competent are humble because they don’t need to prove that they are competent because they are confident in the field or ability

@DangerAmbrose 10 ай бұрын

Reading comments, eating popcorn, waiting for my spaceship to pick me up. 👽🚀🍿

@tonyrandall3146 10 ай бұрын

Can I come?

@harrynac6017 10 ай бұрын

Sorry, we're gonna be late: flat tire 👽

@somethingyousaid5059 10 ай бұрын

For all I know, I'm an extraterrestrial that has amnesia.

@gamerrex5940 10 ай бұрын

Where we going this century, captain?

@zerotomillions1016 9 ай бұрын

He explained what an alpha male is in less that 1 minute and 25 seconds. I thought that I would have to "debunk" his opinion. However, he got it absolutely right.

@b00gi3 7 ай бұрын

Given he was one of the original progenitors of the term, I suppose he would!

@XandriaRavenheart 7 ай бұрын

I guess alpha male is more of a nurturing leader. For me, I think characters like Aragorn who behaves like a very fatherly king are alpha males.

@funnytv-1631 10 ай бұрын

When a negative thought has you in its undertow, break the circuit. Interrupt the pattern simply by breathing in. Focus your attention elsewhere until the negative thought no longer owns you. You own it. And you can decide what to do with it. Journal. Walk. Have a conversation with it. Treat it with compassion. Your breath will buy you these options and many more.

@robertdouglas8895 10 ай бұрын

Good practice. A negative thought will always be lacking in forgiveness.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@BBinkie 10 ай бұрын

What makes it negative?

@robertdouglas8895 10 ай бұрын

@@BBinkie anti-love.

@BBinkie 10 ай бұрын

@@robertdouglas8895 How do we know what love is? Both these terms seem subjective.

@lucasafonso5090 10 ай бұрын

fam he literally speaking facts , when he said its a social construct of society i was like bro no lies straight scientific facts i wish people understood this more.

@dave2848 9 ай бұрын

I love that we learned this. Thank you for advancing reality and the facts that is science. Understanding is key to a positive perspective.

@MicahScottPnD 9 ай бұрын

Im so glad to hear these thoughts of a person who studies the subject, and who is not somebody who just hears, it takes it, runs with it, and bashes people with it.

@chidubemnwaohiri113 10 ай бұрын

A lot of males and some females too think being an alpha or self-proclaiming to be an alpha means you have access to the best of everything and that you can order people around. Anybody that people gravitate to because of the person's will power, strong sense self identity, ability to help the downtrodden and a general sense of service for a greater good..... should be considered an alpha.....instead of all this sexualized methods of identifying or classing individuals.

@Peter-uo9km 9 ай бұрын

Real alphas don't babble on about the way things should be....You're an idealist.... alphas are realists...

@ClassicJukeboxBand 9 ай бұрын

Interesting video, thought provoking. I would say that there are more than one kind of alpha male or female. It all depends on the structure of the social construct. If you are in a social hierarchy of people governed by laws, that would require different personality characteristics than another social system. Before we had laws and organized, official societies, the law of the jungle would require a different alpha than an organized one with a central authority which makes the laws and rules would. Being the capo in a crime family would require a different type of alpha than a leader of a sports team, or a leader of a political system like a government, or military force would.

@DUNKELTROLL666 7 ай бұрын

“it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.” ― Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

@Sathvik_Adriel 7 ай бұрын

I willfully skipped many videos with a tag line or a thumbnail having "Aplha male"because I hated and I don't know why I hated. Finally an eye opening video what true Aplha male is to the reverse of what others think

@albertoalvarez7623 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. I always thought myself as a beta male from the media I've surrounded myself in. However, in the Air Force my airmen and other colleagues would consider me as an Alpha and I never understood why.

@pantsonfire2216 9 ай бұрын

It’s really beta to need another man to tell you you’re alpha

@iridescentraindrops 9 ай бұрын

@@pantsonfire2216 What actually is beta is to not consider other's people opinion about you and to proclaim without any outside input that you're the real alpha.

@pantsonfire2216 9 ай бұрын

@@iridescentraindrops Caring about other’s people opinion’s makes you even lower than a beta

@iridescentraindrops 9 ай бұрын

@@pantsonfire2216 If you're in charge of a group, you have to consider their needs, thoughts and opinions about you and your direction, because they depend on it in some ways. On a smaller scale I agree that you shouldn't be guided by some people's perspective on your life but there are certain social rules which we all obey and our behavior is corrected if we stray away from them. Also if you're not listening and communicating effectively most of the time with other people that would turn you into a lone wolf, not the alpha one (if we go with the wolf analogy).

@pantsonfire2216 9 ай бұрын

@@iridescentraindrops I respect doing right by your own but caring about other people’s opinions means you’re enslaved by their perception of you and therefore can’t call yourself a free man. A leader of any kind although able to consider other points of view at the end of day does not care what the majority thinks. Many times a leader must make hard decisions that will inevitably make people hate him. Take into account that the vast majority of people are in fact very dumb and should be ignored

@sihr07 10 ай бұрын

Very insightful. Thank you❤

@carlosdossantos917 7 ай бұрын

Every term is thrown around loosely today...it's important to point out there are cultures that are more stringent with terms... you can't just say you're something you're not.

@kijekuyo9494 9 ай бұрын

Many years ago, when I was young, I went into a bookstore that was closing down to peruse their heavily discounted books. I picked one for $2.99 (I still have the book, and the price tag is still on it) that sounded interesting. It was called Chimpanzee Politics. I loved the book and came to know Mama, Nikki, Spin, Wouter, and the rest. Dandy was my favorite. I never expected to see the name Frans de Waal again. A couple of years ago I happened upon a TEDTalk by de Waal about chimpanzee morality. I use this video in my classroom when we examine the origins of morality. I 'm glad he has set the record straight (as all good science should). I think there's a lot for humans to learn from his discoveries on now primal morality apparently is. Mama, perhaps the most powerful of her Arnhem Zoo community in Chimpanzee politics, died just recently (2016). I was amazed that a chimp from so far back in my life had still been alive all those years.

@Shekupe_k 10 ай бұрын

Not y'all posting this after Andrew tate gets arrested😂

@willsimpson3783 10 ай бұрын

He already got released lol

@sagarpandey456 10 ай бұрын

U r using what internet explorer

@WoodlandGangsta-fm7xy 10 ай бұрын

The Great Tate Deflate!

@Mayhamsdead 9 ай бұрын

Kind of makes sense that a person "debunking" alpha male looks like that. :^)

@lucasregor542 9 ай бұрын

You mean someone who looks like one of the greatest figures in his feeld of expertise ? Yes, I agree, it's logical for this guy to talk about what he's an expert in. And, just a detail: you, who are you? If you have less expertise than him, why are you giving your uninformed opinion ?

@Mayhamsdead 9 ай бұрын

@@lucasregor542 1 a : something said or done to provoke laughter especially : a brief oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist b (1) : the humorous or ridiculous element in something (2) : an instance of jesting : KIDDING can't take a joke c : PRACTICAL JOKE d : LAUGHINGSTOCK 2 : something not to be taken seriously : a trifling matter consider his skiing a joke -Harold Callender -often used in negative constructions it is no joke to be lost in the desert

@lucasregor542 9 ай бұрын

@@Mayhamsdead Ok, then I have to tell you that it was not obvious that what you said was a joke. A lot of people in the comments actually think this kind of stuff. So: 1) sorry for misunderstanding you 2) please be careful about how people might perceive your comments. This one is easy to take in first degree and my kind of interpretation is to be expected with this ambiguous formulation. Have a nice day.

@Mayhamsdead 9 ай бұрын

@@lucasregor542 Just let go.

@ChristianMartinez-oq7kt 10 ай бұрын

5:16 - what's that shoe brand?

@FactStorm 7 ай бұрын

Frans hit the nail on the head, wow..but then again he dedicated his life learning about this. What an interesting field!

@mordant221 9 ай бұрын

Oh, so alpha males don't traffic humans? Hear that Andrew Tate?

@RiverotterSmithohara 10 ай бұрын

In my personal experience, a man claiming this title as a personality type is an unfortunate jerk of the highest level.

@lauracromartie413 7 ай бұрын

i like this guy and appreciate his desire to correct where he thinks his work was misinterpreted. I do disagree with his assertion of gender as a construct. Gender roles are a construct perhaps. but I can only speak for my own experience.It's a big world out there

@chrisbacos 10 ай бұрын

Alpha male and female always struck me as a complete crock.

@NelsonStJames 9 ай бұрын

It's strange how much energy people put into debunking an issue of semantics, and a misinterpretation of what people really mean who are using the term be it correctly, or incorrectly simply because they don't like the terms being used. The concept of a leader is not and has never been a position one can appoint to themselves, but is bestowed upon an individual by others, and even though there are people out there that consider themselves leaders that are not, does not negate the fact that leaders in groups and societies exist.

@jagrutijadhav4580 7 ай бұрын

Can you elaborate

@justindaniels411 10 ай бұрын

What did we debunk here? I think it's well known that the alpha male is well liked and charismatic. It just seems we focus on the potential negative traits that come from being in that position than the positive ones

@raqimk 10 ай бұрын

Majority of men’s spaces coin being an alpha male as all the negative traits and none of the good ones that he mentioned here, empathy and stopping conflict is usually given to be a feminine trait.

@marvin2678 10 ай бұрын

@@raqimkNo thats Not true at all

@RenTheCrow 10 ай бұрын

@@marvin2678 yes, yes it is. if you go to MANY MANY men's groups, most don't respect empathy or any gentle traits. I think it's finally changing (maybe) but I look at A LOT of men's spaces and most of them are sadly misled to believe a lot of gross things.

@sr3821 9 ай бұрын

Well, many people now associate the term "Alpha Male" to a very dominant personality, like a barbarian king who kills many enemies, instantly decapitate anyone who disobeys his order and sleeps with many women.

@SNP2082 9 ай бұрын

@@marvin2678 Unfortunately alpha males today in humans means people who are very rigid and intolerant to different perspectives. They are aggressive and controlled by emotions such as anger. Empathy, openness, altruism, are not traits that are often linked to alpha males

@caravanlifenz Ай бұрын

Frans de Waal died a week ago due to cancer. It's good he did this interview and shared his thoughts and perspectives before his death.

@guitart4909 3 ай бұрын

Any man who must say “I am the King” is no king

@masuphamakhube3553 8 ай бұрын

He lost me at the gender part...

@sethmorlan670 Ай бұрын

He lost you when pushed play.

@fburton8 10 ай бұрын

Do animals (specifically non-primate animals) _admire_ other animals? How would we know?

@judyl.7811 7 ай бұрын

0:25 young animals will establish their rank order. 1:50 someone who beats you everyday and let you know everyday that hes the boss. 2:50 physical power is only one part of the whole equation 3:00 you have to have supporters, you cannot do that on your own. it means a high-ranking female, she has enormous power. because if she can rally all other females. 3:20 when the alpha individual is a female. 4:15 she associated with the males, she hung out with them. 5:20 because they are much less normative as we are.

@AliJr_MetalGames_MetalGuitar 8 ай бұрын

My whole friend group kicked out the "Alpha male" that made all the plans simply because he'd get mad about things from his past and he would get pissed at me just because I looked sad sometimes, usually from having to deal with him.

@mrcsrkcrz 10 ай бұрын

What a great and highly relevant video. Talking about alphas (leaders) and gender spectrum, Well explained and showing that what matters for a successful leadership, SHOULD be based on empathy first. I wonder if animals will also manipulate others in order to undeservedly become the alpha, the leader and if so why. If not there’s an argument to make that we’re more stupid than other conscious beings, voting for power loving individuals who sell you what they would do for society and who clearly wish to lead to become our leaders, rather than those with empathy who automatically become loved and respected for what they’ve already done. In my school I remember the “class president” was voted between all students, so anyone could end up winning the vote not just those who wanted to. We were not forced to take “the job” and now it seems to me this system is better than any voting system I know of.

@mrcsrkcrz 10 ай бұрын

This is why many people say when they’re voting that anything to choose from sucks and some people end up not going to vote as they don’t feel connected to any candidate.

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@mrcsrkcrz 10 ай бұрын

@@tommckellen342 I’m not sure I fully understand what you’re saying (some parts yes). But I’m pretty sure you must have misinterpreted at least some of what I’m saying. I’m basically saying those who wish to be alphas are not necessarily alphas and those who lead are not necessarily the best leader but in our society we can only choose from those who put themselves in the position to be chosen. While in the animal world the alpha/leader only gets to this position by having empathy for the group over himself. By having true care. And I believe that sounds smarter to me although maybe not easy to adapt.

@mrcsrkcrz 9 ай бұрын

@@tommckellen342 and I’m personally not fixating on the fact of strength or weakness. I just mentioned (like in the video) that strength is not the main factor. I’m also not saying that physically Strong individuals are or can’t be good, but again not that relevant for the question who’s alpha in comparison to compassion. I also never said alphas are unkind. Actually the complete opposite I said d their main trait is empathy (in the animal world and I’m some human constructs, but not always in politics). I said the problem is that I believe many if not most empathetic people wouldn’t put themselves in the spotlight as much aka participating in an election in order to „fight“(be a salesman and often lie to impress the mass) to become a leader. And that’s problematic. You seem to be fixated on something… And yes of course Yin and Yang can coexist in a person in fact likely in all persons as nature is based on balance. Not sure why you bring this up like I said the opposite. And I have no idea about what group I’m „fond of“ or what you’re talking about there. Really gives me the impression you read someone else’s reply or something as you’re completely wrong when talking about my point of view.

@Rub3z 10 ай бұрын

He can debunk the Alpha male myth but he's gonna have a hard time debunking the Sigma male myth

@joebenzz 10 ай бұрын

But Sigmas don't give a f anyway😆

@mikeoxmall69420 10 ай бұрын

What about the Ligma male? 😂

@AG-vh3lx 10 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

@rememberme3762 10 ай бұрын

Bro said real alphas have sympathy 😂😂

@tommckellen342 10 ай бұрын

@manmohansingh4096 9 ай бұрын

Why do i always feel that BT videos deviate from the title subject midway and end to soon without a solid conclusion?

@lizblock9593 9 ай бұрын

After he said how gender variability isn't an issue in non-human primate societies, I'm thinking that gender variability in itself is not so much a problem in our societies as that the people garnering power will use any difference (race, religion, mental illness, etc.) to create divisiveness and fear in their followers to increase their own power.

@jesseelledge2284 9 ай бұрын

Imagine rejecting years of reliable data and science (including your own work) so that you can be known as a “good guy.”

@seansayer7684 10 ай бұрын

He doesn't mention the enormous difference between us and the other animals that we are self conscious. We know we are alive and that we are going to die. We have a sense of self. Hence we are consumed by the idea of identity and this is behind our destructive nature.

@woodygilson3465 9 ай бұрын

That's typically what religious people think. Despite the science, as per usual.

@user-fb2kb4wp7s 7 ай бұрын

One thing I've learned over the years is that is someone is telling you they are an alpha male, they are not an alpha male.

@geno7462 3 ай бұрын

I had the pleasure of sitting in on a talk Dr. de Waal gave at a research center I worked at in Atlanta years ago. He was great then and nothing has changed. Love this guy and his research!

@wakingcharade 10 ай бұрын

As others have noted, the idea of alpha male wolves has largely been debunked in the wild -- in the wild wolves run in family units. in captivity they will seem to form hierarchies as were observed, but in the wild, that's just mom and dad. It's also worth noting that we have seen a huge range of adjustments to chimp and bonobo political structures based on environmental changes. A lot of what we thought were 'innate' about them turns out to be far more variable and, well, maybe cultural is not the right word but then, we are apes, so talking about culture might not be incorrect here. I know they did studies in Baboon species with two completely different social structures and if transplanted into the other group baboons adapt to and perpetuate the social order of their adopted troop rather than that of their birth species. It's important to regularly reevaluate what preconceived notions we come to animal research with as well, and what human culture we might be taking to the table. Recently read an interesting article about how its possible female mate selection competition is far more widespread than we thought simply because we didn't look for it, and that if we start to we see it more than we thought. I also recently read about how we used to assume deer had a leader choosing the direction they would go, but new research found that actually what they had was basically an election tallier, someone who would watch and see which way different herd members were acting or looking or moving and indicate the majority. Democracy in deer is certainly not something I'd have thought to look for, and I'm glad someone else did that work and questioned that assumption. This natural presentation and behavioral diversity has been noted in almost every species with these bimodal sex traits and presentations too. Fascinating stuff.

@TokyoTaisu 10 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed reading your comment. Thank you. Democracy in deer - fascinating indeed.

@fuckamericanidiot 10 ай бұрын

Bimodal sex traits. Please catch lyme disease.

@eastafrika728 10 ай бұрын

There are 2 types of empathy, conditional or limited empathy and universal empathy, only humans can achieve universal empathy. Humans have no alpha or beta hierarchy. Humans have free will to determine their destiny.