What is an alpha male you ask? You may have heard this term before but you probably only thought it applied to the animal kingdom. That is no longer the case; the term now also applies to the human species as well. Just like the in the animal kingdom, the alpha male is one of rarity.

The human alpha male population is probably less than 10%, leaving the rest of the 90% of human males on earth as beta males. This is roughly one out of ten men. There are many factors that determine the differences between an alpha male and a beta male; some of which are genetic. In today’s world, genetics no longer play as great a role in determining whether or not you belong to the alpha male breed. The human race has evolved over the centuries as a whole and along with it, the alpha male.

In prehistoric times, genetics were the sole factor that determined whether or not a man was an alpha male. Size, strength and aggressiveness were really all that mattered and were all necessary to ensure survival. Just like in the animal kingdom, the bigger and stronger you were, the more you were able to dominate over the other males in your tribe.

For this reason females sought to mate with the males that possessed these traits in the greatest abundance. Noticing the male’s qualities that ensure his survival, the female will mate with him in hopes that her offspring will possess the same traits.

The alpha male of the tribe is the leader who provides and cares for the other members. Other males, being inferior to him, serve as his entourage. These other males, “beta males”, lack the level of skills and genetic superiority to compete for the alpha male’s thrown and, generally, stay out of his way.

From time to time a lower male will challenge the alpha and if successful, which happens only on rare occasions, will take his place as the new alpha male of the tribe.  Most commonly the alpha male will remain leader until one of his children take his place once he is no longer fit to rule due to age or unexpected death.

Today’s alpha male may still have similar characteristics of the now outdated version, but it takes much more than good genes to become the alpha of your pack. Even though women are still hardwired to mate with more attractive and physically fit men, good looks alone will not get you the title of an alpha male today. As man has evolved from a brutish creature to one that above all else cherishes intellect; the alpha male put down his sword and picked up a pen. Sorry all you juice-heads, you should have lifted some books instead.

The reason for this change is mainly due to changes in the necessities of survival.  We must no longer hunt for our food or fight off predators at our doorstep.  We pick up groceries at the local supermarket and fight off competition with our words rather than our fists.  This shift from the physical to the intellectual caused the muscular alpha male to shrink down to an average sized bookworm.  However, the tables have not turned completely.  The original characteristics that an alpha male has classically possessed, for the most part, remain the same- just in different proportions.

Women still want their man to be strong and possess the qualities of a natural born leader. In terms of alpha male leadership, today’s determining factor is social intelligence and the ability to influence others- not through brute force, but through intellectual persuasion. The alpha male no longer has to be a big and muscular hunter; all he need is possess the ability to influence the masses and provide them with what they need to go on living.

He needs to be a leader that ensures the safety and health of his tribe, or in the more modern sense, his family and friends. He is a trendsetter, he is able to influence others easily, he is what everyone else wants to be and he lives in the reality that he himself has created. He is a visionary. He inspires. He is in the position that every man wishes he could be in.

Although superior genetics are still the most sought after hardwired desires, they are no longer the determining factor of a pair bond (sexual relationship). Humans today have evolved to the point where emotions and communication between partners are essential to building successful relationships. Because humans are far more evolved than any other creatures in the world, they are in no way in danger of extinction and therefore mating for the survival of the species is no longer necessary.

Now we mate for more personal reasons such as the want of a family to share your life with. However, the human ego is still as strong as ever and each person wants the best that they can get their hands on.  This will never change and competition between peoples will always be intense; the alpha male will always rule. The beauty of the current state of human civilization is that one is no longer born an alpha male; one is made.

An alpha male is not shy, he is not hesitant and he is not afraid to fail. If he fails, he just keeps on going until he succeeds. He takes charge of situations and makes decisions. He carries his responsibilities with a sense of duty and is looking out for the well-being of those in his life.

He goes into situations with a clear mind and therefore always makes sure that he has his shit together. His personal life, although bustling and sometimes even hectic, is well planned and progressing towards his goals. None of these traits are innate; they are all learned.

It is time for you to claim your alpha male hood and become the man that you want to be. For those of you who do not want to have the responsibilities of an alpha male, that is okay. But don’t you dare bitch to others when you’re life is not going the way you want it to. Don’t hate the man who has a more successful life then you; don’t hate the man who is constantly chased by women and don’t hate the man who has contributed more to society in a year than you will in a lifetime.

Don’t pity yourself; be ashamed that you are not man enough to take advantage of all of your true talents. The choice is yours, either become the alpha and an example for others to follow or become a follower and live your life according to someone else’s plan.

Angelo John Gage | Elite.