Is Your Idea of Alpha Male Behaviour Wrong?

Native Americans have long recognised wolves as kindred spirits. Perhaps even more-so than apes, wolves have very similar social structure to humans.

So, it’s interesting to read the observations of veteran wolf researcher Rick McIntyre in this article from the New York Times.

The main characteristic of an alpha male wolf,” the veteran wolf researcher Rick McIntyre told me as we were watching gray wolves, “is a quiet confidence, quiet self-assurance. You know what you need to do; you know what’s best for your pack. You lead by example. You’re very comfortable with that. You have a calming effect.

The point is, alpha males are not aggressive. They don’t need to be. “Think of an emotionally secure man or a great champion. Whatever he needed to prove is already proven.

Of course alpha male wolves are tough when they need to be, but the author concludes that:

Clearly, our alpha male stereotype could use a corrective makeover. Men can learn a thing or two from real wolves: less snarl, more quiet confidence, leading by example, faithful devotion in the care and defense of families, respect for females, and a sharing of responsibilities. That’s really what wolfing up should mean.

feature image: detail of Late Summer Satyr Sitting in a Stream {Derek) by Todd Yeager

FURTHER READING

• Ask Men – Top 10 Signs You’re Not an Alpha Male
• The Art of Manliness – The Myth of the Alpha Male
• The Guardian – Do Alpha Males Even Exist?
• Living with Wolves – The Alpha Male

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