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# The Scientific Lie That Damaged Generations of Men
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/its-okay-be-smart/episode/the-scientific-lie-that-damaged-generations-of-men-ou1ivb/
- Published: 2025-12-27T17:45:48.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-27T20:30:15.000Z
- Description: Here is the REAL science about "alpha males."
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: Be Smart, Season 13, Episode 15, #ZZZ_Episode_bdd1240a-cf74-4afa-a1d2-293cc653878c, #episode, #ZZZ_Show_dc38a6e9-266e-43c1-b647-45e7445fad27, #v1.16

This idea of “alpha males” has dominated pop culture for a while now. But here’s the thing–it’s built on bad science. What the real science shows is that, from wolves to chimpanzees to humans, power and success isn’t about aggression or dominance. It’s about relationships, cooperation, empathy, and prestige.