The surprising science of alpha males | Frans de Waal 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

TL;DR: Alphas are leaders, not jerks.

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

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

Alpha male: collaborator, comforter and peacemaker.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Bush looks way too dope in that photo

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

wow thanks for clarifying the topic!!!

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

This talk was excellent! Very informative and entertaining.

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

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

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.

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

This lecture was awesome. I loved it!

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

This probably one of my favorite Ted talks💪

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.

Great stuff. Enjoyed this.

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

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 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BPsSKKL8N0s.html

Power Corrupts but so does Powerlessness.

Great video!!

Fantastic piece of information! 👏🧠

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

A failed Alpha is often an experienced Master Beta.

Great video. Learned a lot

Good talk. Thank you. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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.

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.

Wonderful talk! Thank you!

Very intriguing talk

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

Incredible primatologist! I highly recommend his books.

Very inspiring insight for evaluating people.

I want a full documentary series by this guy. Please

Thats a damn good talk right here!

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.

Fine video. Fine talk. Thank you.

Just LOVE it... so good.

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.

Alpha male is the combination of great power and responsibility.

Great lecture ty

Good speech. I listened. Thanks.

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

Toppest lobster 🎩🦐

This is ingenious. Such an interesting talk.

I enjoyed it, thank you

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.😅

Does this guy even lift, Bro?

Loved this so much ♥️🐒

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.

Very true. This needs to be taught in schools.

.good talk

Thank you, very interesting!

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

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

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.

Truly a great video

very interesting indeed and learn something new. thank you.

6:36 6:40 "Then the party is in deep doo-doo" SCIENCE! lol

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

Fascinating video

This was very fascinating.

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

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

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.

Great info

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

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.

I very much enjoyed this

A true inspiration :)