Written in 1894, Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book is as tried and true of a children's classic as there is. Adapted often over into movies and cartoons, the Jungle Book is a staple of most young people's childhood.
As part of the second book, Kipling introduces the Law of the Jungle to teach young wolves how to operate with the pack.
Now this is the Law of the Jungle — as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall
break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and
back — For the strength of the pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is
the pack.
Throughout time and history, the wolf has long been a symbol of ferocity and strength in the animal kingdom. With its sharp teeth and powerful jaws, the wolf is a formidable predator, unafraid to engage with prey much larger than itself.
The wolf's aggressive nature is also evident in its social structure. Wolves are pack animals, and within a pack, a strict hierarchy is enforced through displays of aggression and dominance. Alpha wolves, the pack leaders, are fiercely protective of their territory and their pack members, and they will not hesitate to attack any intruders who pose a threat. The alpha wolf is the apex predator and universal embodiment of masculinity and what it means to lead.
Except most of that is not true.
A recent article in Scientific America debunks the idea that wolf packs are cunning killers led by a ruthless dictatorial alpha wolf. The article shows them to be what they indeed are. In the end, wolf packs are simply families.
It turns out that the term "alpha" came from studies of captive animals in the 1950s. Wildlife expert David Mech states, "It's the animal equivalent of what might happen in a human prison, not the way wolves behave when they are left to their own devices."
Simply stated, there is no such thing as an alpha male. In fact, female wolves are the dominant force in the pack.
In the wild, wolves are like any other family. They care for their young, look out for each other, and infrequently squabble over the TV remote control. Okay, the remote control part is a lie, but the infrequent fighting is not.
The term alpha has been used in leadership analogies for as long as leadership has been studied. The musical equivalents abound: conductor, drum major, concertmaster, section leader, etc., are just a few examples of a pack leader. Like their furry counterparts, these positions are essential. They help maintain order and preserve the pack's health, safety, and success. If we are to learn a lesson from our four-legged counterparts, the leader is benevolent and not malevolent.
The alpha wolf is there to provide, nurture, and grow their pack. They do not see other wolves or packs as threats and actively work to avoid confrontation. While the alpha may be a male, the breeding female makes most of the decisions in the pack.
As we approach the season of selecting and training leaders, it is worth discussing more than just the concept of what a leader is but how a pack is run. Keep in mind, I do believe that within a music group, there are different packs (sections) that operate in various manners.
Regardless of the pack, we all know that one section, group, or person can create a toxic atmosphere for many. So examining, creating, and fostering a healthy, productive, and successful pack is essential.
Even 120 years later, according to recent research, Kipling's sonnet rings more accurately than ever.
For the strength of the pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the pack.
Have a great week everyone.
Scott
p.s. I hope you enjoyed last night's session. I have posted it within our Patron FB group if you missed it.