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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[Baamtheth]

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

[billibilliyou]

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

[MarcoTatta]

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

[oskarapfel]

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

[sdsyddall]

“I invented the term.. ALPHA MALE”

That is literally alpha as fuark

[jamesjennings]

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

[DoomCycle]

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

[claudiaweiss]

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

[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.

[marcelocasimiroqueirozecos]

TL;DR: Alphas are leaders, not jerks.

[Liberum]

I learned this from watching A Knight's Tale.

"Your men love you. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough."

[RJALEXANDER]

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.

[casperhobbs]

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

[c.harris]

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

[zorbathegreek]

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.

[PopsiclesInMyCellar]

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

[turquoiseafro]

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.

[edmonix]

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

[Skweepa]

Alpha male: collaborator, comforter and peacemaker.

[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