by [embedded content] 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. What makes a successful alpha male is not what you think it is. In chimp groups alpha males are generous, kind, considerate, and they like to share food equally, and break up disputes.The chimp group plays a role in the decision about who becomes the alpha male, and as the alpha
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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.
What makes a successful alpha male is not what you think it is. In chimp groups alpha males are generous, kind, considerate, and they like to share food equally, and break up disputes.
The chimp group plays a role in the decision about who becomes the alpha male, and as the alpha male position is much prised, the alpha males sure everyone in happy so as to keep his advantageous position. The troop will do everything they can to keep the more aggressive alpha males out off power, because they prefer the nicer ones.
When it comes to election time, when it's time to choose an alpha male, the male chimps, who normally take no notice of infants, will suddenly start kissing babies to win the female vote.
When an alpha make gets old, he will often choose a small male to take over. This is good for him, because it keeps a nasty competitor out, but the troop prefer this too. but
It's an interesting Tedx talk.
An Alpha Male