https://www.ted.com/talks/frans_de_waal_the_surprising_science_of_alpha_males/transcript

This is a ted talk by Frans De Waal. He says that he unfortunately is one of the reasons the term "alpha male" has been popularised. He says unfortunatrly because it was unnintended, and because people interperate it wrong.

Most people who use alpha male think of a big, strong, bully. Someone who has little empathy and the power to step on others. This is not correct.

In the video he explains how its a) not needed to be the biggest or strongest. You just need support from other alphas. And b) alpha males in generall have higher empathy than anyone else in the tribe.

When you think about it, it makes sense. Alpha is the leader. If you have to cavemen. One is aggressive, a bully, and pushes others down. The other is generous, impartial, empathic, and liked by most. When a animal attack in the middle of the night, which one do you think everyone turns to for help. And which one gets left behind...