Have you ever thought about this: one of the core aspects of specifically human social intelligence as opposed to other species is to read emotions from each others faces, and humans have more facial muscles to express these emotions than other species, yet, an “alpha male” will usually have an expressionless, stony face? And men who have expressive facial mimics (Rob Schneider, maybe Steven Buscemi etc.) come accross as kind of submissive? So one of the most core human characteristics is not used by the highest status folks?
Reading other’s emotions is the useful ability, being easy to read is usually a weakness. (Though it’s also possible to lose points by looking too dispassionate.)
Have you ever thought about this: one of the core aspects of specifically human social intelligence as opposed to other species is to read emotions from each others faces, and humans have more facial muscles to express these emotions than other species, yet, an “alpha male” will usually have an expressionless, stony face? And men who have expressive facial mimics (Rob Schneider, maybe Steven Buscemi etc.) come accross as kind of submissive? So one of the most core human characteristics is not used by the highest status folks?
Uhm, countersignalling? “I am so powerful that I do not need this ability.”
Specifically: “I am so powerful that I do not need the abilities that make cooperation easier; others obey me anyway.”
Reading other’s emotions is the useful ability, being easy to read is usually a weakness. (Though it’s also possible to lose points by looking too dispassionate.)