89 Comments
User's avatar
David Aquinas's avatar

1. Curb your speech. 2. Get in the top physical shape you’re able to. 3.Identify your predominant fault, then work on The contrary virtue. 4. No personal debt. 5. Give away 10% of your income at the end of the year to a worthy cause (which makes you magnanimous. 6. Save 10% if your income which will increase your non-neediness. 7. Own your mistakes and maintain outward calm. This works no matter what SSH rank you are. Even a gamma can do this if you’re willing to suffer to gain a greater good.

Expand full comment
Derek Bauer's avatar

I recently bumped into a guy I hadn‘t met in years who used to be 1,82m tall but now he‘s 1,78.

Expand full comment
GH's avatar

"I need more content about how to be a successful top 5% man. I was always a loser"

- I have to get comfortable being top 5%

- Ive always been a loser.

The whiplash.

Expand full comment
info1234's avatar

How can we actually develop the closest approximation to Empathy and the ability to handle the big picture?

Including how to make Wise decisions especially in hard situations.

Expand full comment
Beery Swine's avatar

Why does Dave Portnoy look just like Mark Zuckerberg? Is the simulation running out of models or something? Just copypasta'ing all over the place? It's like that time I looked at Richard Dawkins and then Emma Watson, everything just goes surreal in my head.

Expand full comment
Brian's avatar

Darn you! I always thought Emma Watson was such a pretty young woman (in spite of her being a feminist). Now when I see her I will think of Richard Dawkins.

Expand full comment
3rdWorldBear's avatar

If SSH rank is essentially equivalent to one’s height, does it imply that most of the 'chads', 'tyrones', 'bad boys' are usually alphas?

Expand full comment
Daniel's avatar

No. Height has some simmilar qualities with SSH rank. That's why those two were compared here. Height developes during childhood and is influenced by external factors. And later it is quite hard to change ... likewise SSH rank is hard to change.

Expand full comment
3rdWorldBear's avatar

Ok I got the analogy now. Thanks a lot.

Expand full comment
BodrevBodrev's avatar

" I was always a loser but now that I'm older and divorced, suddenly the tables are turned and women chase me."

What's the problem here, just roll with it.

Expand full comment
3rdWorldBear's avatar

Problem is that some of the chasers may target him for only their own retirement planning. So it's not genuine attention in that case.

Expand full comment
BodrevBodrev's avatar

first, it's absolutely genuine attention. It's like saying that a schoolgirl going out with a freshman because he has a car is not genuine attention. Second, so what? Contrary to popular opinion golddiggers aren't hunters, they are game stupid enough to announce their bait of choice for the whole world to see. Just because some gammas and deltas are dumb enough to shoot themselves in the foot, doesn't turn prey into hunter.

Expand full comment
Britt's avatar

Anybody lonely & horny enough will fall for her charms. Dad was a Bravo who could do the situational Alpha with ease but he was depressingly lonely after mom died and it didn't take long for one to sink her claws in

Expand full comment
JW's avatar

It looks like a situation ripe for harem building.

Expand full comment
Soljin's avatar

Ehh. The women chasing such a man are well past their own prime. It's a lament that, even though women are supposedly pursuing him now, he was somehow "not worthy" before, and now that he is, he doesn't care to be "worthy" of such post-wall women. Their own worth isn't enough to make being worthy of them a prize.

At least, that's how I interpret it, but that's a Gamma perspective so probably not worth much on its own.

Expand full comment
Vox Day's avatar

It is fascinating how the Gamma can always find a way to find something negative in literally everything.

Expand full comment
Soljin's avatar

It's a curse. No, really, it is. I wish dearly I wasn't like this.

Expand full comment
Crosstime Engineer's avatar

I, for one, appreciate your insights here, and find them illuminating to the gamma mindset. Thanks for being so honest.

Expand full comment
GH's avatar

Even if you're negative inside, you do have the ability to see it's negative and not say it.

Get used to writing things, then clicking "Cancel" instead.

Expand full comment
Soljin's avatar

Fair enough. I practiced that very thing about ten times just now. Old dogs can occasionally learn new tricks I guess.

Expand full comment
GH's avatar

Constant vigilence!

Expand full comment
Dave's avatar

I think the pining for higher SSH is a form of gluttony "eyes too big for the stomach". Much like a child who grabs 10 pancakes yet is full after 1 many of the people who want an alpha's unlimited choice would be fully satisfied with 1 good wife. Maximizing a personal SSH rank will give you everything you need to be happy and fulfilled - in no case is the top of a particular SSH rank unhappy with the rewards they are given. Excess is harmful, even, since few people can handle the sheer amount of crazy that comes at an alpha/sigma and for lower ranks the reward does NOT compensate in any way because they lack the temperament to enjoy it.

In the case of a lower SSH rank ending up as a situational alpha the answer is moderation. You get invited to the buffet and you draw exactly as much food as you would in your normal meal on your diet. You let Arnold Schwarzenegger eat his 10 plates - he's suited to it and can make use of it.

Expand full comment
Iggy's avatar

I used to read a lot of books about business, investing, etc. 'How to Get Rich' by Felix Dennis as an example. It taught me a lot, I have no interest in being that guy, it taught me what Alphas expect and how to be a better Delta for them, and it taught me how to handle my situational Alpha roles within teams or the family.

I won't be an Alpha. But I can be a better Delta.

Expand full comment
Theophilus's avatar

Cm

Expand full comment
Codex redux's avatar

It takes approximately 21 days to make or break a simple habit.

It takes as many years of consistent kindly, disciplined ownership to undo fear- or distrust habit as the rescue dog experienced instability or abuse

If it took 30 years of pathways ground into the mind and spirit, it would take as many unrelenting years of new pathways to change them.

Habits are easier, and the Christian life in Christ.

My father said the great shame of falling on one's sword, is not getting back into the fight. And that the self-inflicted wound may be mortal.

Expand full comment
Baker Street Bear's avatar

Can an Alpha's Alpha-ness grow over time?

I can't imagine Tom Brady was getting laid every weekend in high school, but now he's the GOAT.

And a friend of mine since 2nd grade was always pretty popular when we were younger, and towards the end of high school he started attracting some of the popular girls, but, again, he wasn't slaying the hottest chicks left and right. But now he's in his 30s and he buys and sells million-dollar businesses and has a hot wife and just exudes Alpha "I'm a nice enough guy but don't F with me" energy.

Expand full comment
SirHamster's avatar

There's growth, peak, and decline. Boy -> man -> old man.

Somewhere around 35-50 is the peak of strength, and there's still another decade or two to be a respected elder/advisor after that.

Expand full comment
Baker Street Bear's avatar

I'm 35, so I like this answer haha Good point, though, thanks.

Expand full comment
Jim Nealon's avatar

The situational Alpha needs Alpha-like skills and tools in that role. Thinking here:

Can you tell your team or larger group a good, energizing story for what's needed?

Remain calm while dealing with higher-ups or customers, and make sure of what's needed to feed your story.

Can you protect or defend your team from outsiders or internal dissension?

Can you defuse people enough to work on this important task right now, and put the fight aside while they're both busy on other things?

More analysis needed, mote things involved, but each category needs a way to address examples like these to keep the team on track for your goals.

Expand full comment
Floyd's avatar

Speaking for Deltas, developing your appearance(dress/fitness), income, and Charisma(social skills and game) can have you sniffed at by 7's of ALL ages.

All I know is I get curiosity from women that I couldn't when I was their age, and even literally get accosted on occasion by post-wall women. I've never had more than a 7, but still pretty enjoyable regardless. Morality aside, I even had an experience under the influence last year with my wife and a tiny 22 year old goth that was a 7. Almost no effort, just talking and inviting back to hang out.

Expand full comment
Floyd's avatar

I was 39 at the time, BTW.

Expand full comment
JW's avatar

Just play the hand your dealt because you have no other choice. The good news is that most of the world is mediocre at best so it doesn’t take much effort to rise to a higher plateau within your group.

When you’re 25 there is a lot of competition because there a lot of fit, good looking guys. That number drops off sharply as time goes by. If you make staying fit and healthy a lifestyle you’ll far exceed most of your SSH peers. Also bathe, dress well, smell good and STFU.

Expand full comment
Missy's avatar

Getting in great shape is the number one tip for guys. Closely followed by STFU.

Expand full comment
Jimmy Neutron's avatar

Can STFU also play a negative role too? I'm very quiet, frequently described as awkward or secretive. I do engage in conversation when prompted but tend not to strike one up or even attempt to carry one when the other person starts to waiver. It's not to say I won't, it's just I don't usually find the interest that can be shared and have a hard time trying to keep questions coming that will amount to a good dialogue that's longer than a few sentences.

Expand full comment
magi83's avatar

Yes, unfortunately this signals poor social development and timidity/lack of assertiveness (low Delta).

Expand full comment
Jimmy Neutron's avatar

I think that's a fair assessment. I always joke that I would make a good grunt/foot soldier.

Expand full comment
Mr. Berenstain's avatar

Stay muscular and trim, and STFU. That's 80% of the battle there IMO.

Expand full comment
DH Slammer's avatar

8 abs will definitely get you noticed

Expand full comment
S3er's avatar

When she realizes you have abs, it's because she already decided, she wants to sleep with you and you are naked in front of her. The noticing happened way before that.

Expand full comment
a circus boy's avatar

Muscles and abs show up in your face and body taper. Women want to touch your abs while you're still wearing a shirt, because they can see your lean face and that your fitted shirt hides washboard abs.

If this hasn't happened to you, then lift more weights, get learner or wear better fitted shirts.

Expand full comment
DH Slammer's avatar

IYKYK

Expand full comment
S3er's avatar
Sep 18Edited

Holy cow, you're such a retard.

Way to antagonize somebody who in principle doesn't even disagree with you on this issue.

Expand full comment
Coffee Guy Chris's avatar

Calm down, bro. Stop projecting your insecurities onto others. We’re all on the same side here.

Expand full comment
Floyd's avatar

Facts. I believe that some signs of age contrasts and amplifies the fitness build, while implying maturity and experience. All I know is I feel strange getting checked out by women under 25 that wouldn't have noticed me at that same age.

Expand full comment
Snowyteller's avatar

Following after Christ is already against the fallen nature, thus the closer to a heavenly state you are, the more muted your SSH should be, still there, but reduced, sanctified, or perhaps it's more correct to say the unfallen aspects will be magnefied, an Alpha devoted to God will surely be tempted as any but will he commit adultery, possibly not, though even David failed on that score. Not only easier said than done, it's also not a path that promises wine, women, song, riches and fame, not that precludes, but if you want material gain you can just sell your soul to the Devil for all the good that'll do.

It's one of those answers people don't like.

Women do like a man with convictions, though a reading of the bible also has some ominous things to say about some of the women who are attracted to men of god, and some ominous things of the men who accept them.

Solomon was wisest of men is still a terrifying statement.

Expand full comment
Jbearman's avatar

It's pertinent to point out that God in scripture chooses men to accomplish his will from whatever social or SSH rank they come from. The apostles were probably all deltas; just ordinary guys. Gideon was likely a delta, Jacob was clearly a gamma. God may tap you on the shoulder to do something amazing even though you clearly don't have the ability in order for himself to get the glory, or perhaps to put you through a grinder in order to mold your character.

Expand full comment
Soljin's avatar

It's pertinent that you mentioned Solomon - the giga-Alpha of giga-Alphas, wisest of all men, and he still fell to temptation and women belonging to strange gods.

I believe the point of his story is that God comes first - even the wisest and wealthiest of men is less than the least in Heaven. God uplifts even the lowest, and strikes down the proud and arrogant.

Perhaps the lowest might be better served seeking God, than seeking to emulate the men like Solomon. God forbid a Gamma ever ended up in Solomon's position; what a horror that would be.

Expand full comment
Jbearman's avatar

I think Solomon was actually a sigma. The book of Ecclesiastes? A sigma wrote that. Proverbs seems like it would have come from a sigma as well.

I could be wrong though. He seemed to be incredibly shrewd, to the point of it being his own downfall. Including the boredom of always trying something new, etc.

Expand full comment
The Gentle Health Coach's avatar

I'm pretty sure Solomon was a Delta. A lot of the things he wrote down, he says, were things his father (Alpha David) taught him, but if you look at Solomon himself, he felt pretty unqualified for the position that he inherited, which is why he asked God for wisdom. He wrote down his father's words, carried out his father's instructions - including the building of the temple, which David designed and collected materials for - and was eventually led away from God because he listened to his many wives. He was a situational Alpha, for sure, and wealthy and powerful men get a lot of the same things that Alphas do.

Expand full comment
Jbearman's avatar

It's possible, but I really don't think so. I think the sheer brutality and shrewdness of the guy points to a sigma. He nonchalantly told them to cut a baby in half just to make a point. And he spends a great deal of time talking about "the fool" (gammas) and obviously deeply despises them. He had no qualms in assassinating his enemies to secure the throne. At the end of his reign he became a tyrant. I think Solomon's problem is that he stopped caring. He'd managed to reach the pinnacle and just didn't care, which would point to a sigma.

Expand full comment