What can we learn from wolves?

Wolves are animals extraordinary, which have always aroused the curiosity and admiration of humans. There are many myths and legends from different peoples that allude to them. In fact, in some North American indigenous cultures, it was the wolf at the beginning. Its creation myth says that human beings lived underground and it was the wolves that brought them out of there. Then the men expelled them.

Few animals have behavior as interesting as that of wolves. They howl under the moon, seemingly without explanation, and They are capable of traversing enormous areas of land completely alone. But they always come back to his pack. They are supportive and fierce at the same time. They are cautious and bold. They have deep-rooted customs and an aura of dignity emanates from all of them.

Human beings have a great affinity with this species. In fact, it can be said that dogs are wolves that have allowed themselves to be tamed. Their loyalty, their joy and their ability to give love are something that moves us. They have also inherited this from the so-called “wild” wolves, which, however, are highly evolved.

The wolves who lead the pack’s journey

There are always a few wolves at the front of the pack. Unlike humans, who guide them They are all the elderly and the sick. Why do they do this? Simply because the pack values ​​the knowledge and experience they have. Having them in front is a way to take care of them, protect them and take advantage of their wisdom.

The other wolves in the pack follow their elders and obey all their instructions. The elderly and sick go ahead because if they went back, they would possibly fall behind. and they would end up separated from the pack. Everyone walks at the pace of those who move with greater difficulty.

The strongest wolves are on the second line. In the center of the group are the other wolves. In the end, alone, goes the Alpha Male. This controls the progress of the herd and decides the direction from there. He is not in front, but is last. Precisely that figure of the Alpha Male in wolves is one from which many “males” in our culture could learn.

Wolves and the Alpha Male

The Alpha Male in wolves is not an authoritarian and aggressive individual that everyone fears.. On the contrary, it is the most complete specimen and the one that provides security for the entire pack. They do not fear him, but he is their role model.

Alpha Males make excellent parents. They protect the females and cubs in a decisive way, all the time. They also get food and bring it to the little ones throughout the year, not just during the first phases of breeding.

His fatherhood is not limited to hunting and bringing food. Alpha Males also play with puppies and are very loving with them.. They also admit the existence of matriarchs, or females who exert great influence over the group. Many times they leave the decisions about the direction to follow or when to rest.

The many teachings of wolves

According to Francesc Miralles There are nine principles inspired by the behavior of wolves, that all human beings should learn. They talk about order, cohesion with the group and nobility. They are the following:

Respect for the elderly, which we already talked about.The work of guiding the elderly. Elders take very seriously their role in guiding the younger ones, helping them grow and protecting them.Cooperation with the clan. In this species there may be solitary individuals, but they always have their pack as a reference, as a beginning and an end, they know that they are part of a group. The game. Wolves are playful. When it comes to playing, hierarchies disappear and the older ones enjoy having fun with the puppies.Austerity. Wolves only hunt when necessary and do not consume more than they need. The value of pause. These animals always take a moment to pause during their journeys.Give affection. The very form of organization of this species implies very strong bonds of affection between the members of the pack. Express, say, show. Wolves howl for different reasons. It is a way of expressing and they do it without inhibitions or excuses.Adaptation to all tests. These animals are true survivors. They adapt, resist in the most inhospitable places and fight to live.

Sometimes human beings are arrogant and think that we are the most finished product of evolution. However, We have cousins ​​and biological siblings, from whom we could learn a lot. Meeting again with that wolf that we also carry inside can be a path to being more human.

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