The sigma male concept is a relatively new personality construction. Dictionary.com defines the sigma male as “a slang term used in masculinist subcultures for a popular, successful, but highly independent and self-reliant man, [or] lone wolf.”

A few days ago, I stumbled on a YouTube video entitled “12 Unmistakable Signs You Are a Sigma Male.” I was immediately intrigued. More than that, the message really resonated with me. I felt like these guys were very accurately talking about how I think and operate most of the time. For me, it was very revealing about who and what I am. So I went to work researching and listing what I and others consider to be characteristics of a sigma male.

What is funny is that for those familiar with this term, the sigma male is supposed to be characteristic of people like Keanu Reeves, or fantasy characters like Batman. The problem with this is that such romanticized figures tend to accentuate potentially negative characteristics, some of which are rarely endemic to real life. Hollywood is not real life. In real life, sigma males are often not as antisocial, badass, or enigmatic as the movies make them out to be. They are not perfectly happy being by themselves. They very much value company and companionship; but it needs to be limited company, the right companionship, and in limited quantities of duration. Sigma males are introverts, but that does not mean they are anti-social-loner freaks, prone to tearing people’s limbs off.

In this paper, I have listed the optimized characteristics of the ideal sigma male. I consider the ideal sigma male to be an approximate similarity to the ideal man. And though I am light years away from reaching that high ideal, such characteristics very much feel native to what I am and the ideal of what I try to be.

In today’s gender-defeating cultural environment, many men feel lost and disoriented in seeking to identify gender-affirming and male-building masculinity, and so I offer these characteristics of what I think the optimal sigma male ought to be.

Before getting started, I would like to stress that sigma-male traits and characteristics are not necessarily inherent, genetic, or male-instinctive traits. Some of these traits are absolutely instinctive, but more than that, they just simply make sense to people who are smart.

The sigma male does what he thinks is smart. He is a master of cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, and evaluating alternative scenarios. He believes in doing good, and he unconsciously defines doing good by doing that which offers the best value, the best benefit, and the most favorable outcome. For him, this just makes sense.

In my video on this, I expand and explain some of these sigma male characteristics; but in this document, I merely supply my own master list which keeps getting longer.

Sigma male characteristics and traits:

1. Sigma males treat everyone the same regardless of social status.
2. They typically don’t feel the need to impress anyone.
3. They don’t care much about social status.
4. They are not impressed with hierarchy, to include hierarchy authority, hierarchy rules, or fancy hierarchal titles.
5. They view and treat everyone as equals.
6. They view and treat everyone with respect.
7. They have a strong sense of fairness and justice.
8. They will readily defend the weak and innocent.
9. They believe everyone has something of value to offer, regardless of background or social markers.
10. They are not overtly competitive and try not to compare themselves with others.
11. They believe people should be judged on merit.
12. They are often not too vocal but are usually articulate public speakers.
13. They are often introvertive and are not attracted to group settings or social occasions.
14. They have a strong moral code and always strive to do what is right.
15. They are careful about what they share with others.
16. They are often viewed as reserved and stoic.
17. They do not readily volunteer information that might be used against them.
18. They are sensitive to the needs, thoughts, and feelings of others; but they can be very blunt.
19. They are deep thinkers. They are very philosophical and intellectually sophisticated.
20. They take their time getting to know others before passing judgement.
21. They are often perceived as aloof and unapproachable but are actually very willing to discuss their perspectives with others.
22. They believe that wise men seek first to understand before seeking to be understood.
23. They are often perceived as proud and unbendable but are actually very willing to consider alternative perspectives.
24. They might not say much, but they are highly aware of the world around them.
25. They are very observant and tend to notice subtle cues and social dynamics.
26. They often notice small details that others miss.
27. They prefer to stay out of the limelight and observe.
28. They are quality leaders but usually do not seek leadership. They prefer to let others lead.
29. They are highly valued by those in leadership and are often asked for advice.
30. They take charge when the situation requires it.
31. They lead by example and by inspiring others.
32. They are proactive and helpful.
33. They want everyone to succeed and to be the best they can be.
34. They often have different ways of thinking and do not follow societal norms.
35. They do not do things just because everyone else is doing them.
36. They tend to stand out. They march to the beat of their own drum. They are different.  
37. They have trouble fitting in. They are often targeted and persecuted for being different.
38. They will view problems from multiple angles and consider creative solutions.
39. They are not binary thinkers. They will consider multiple solutions and choose what is best.
40. They are innovative and creative.
41. They are often undervalued and misunderstood.
42. They have a vocabulary that is all their own. Shallow thinkers do not understand them.
43. When they meet similar individuals, they recognize their value and give them added respect.
44. They often have trouble respecting authority figures who lack merit.
45. Although they are not rebellious, they dislike being told what to do.
46. They dislike one-size-fits-all rules, protocols, and solutions. They believe in doing what makes sense.
47. They will never completely conform with standard operating procedures.
48. They dislike authority figures giving orders that restrict their freedom and effectiveness.
49. They dislike others making decisions for them.  
50. They tend to resist following orders they do not agree with.
51. They dislike being micromanaged.
52. They take great offence to their fundamental rights and freedoms being curtailed or violated.
53. They will readily question the status quo rather than blindly following the herd.
54. When it comes to making decisions, they rely on their own judgement, instincts, and moral codes.
55. They are willing to put trust in others where trust is merited.
56. Authority figures who lack objectivity and merit do not like them. This can lead to tension and conflict.
57. They will not change their opinions just to please others.
58. While they do not seek trouble, they will not hesitate to stand their ground if necessary.
59. They are autonomous thinkers and do not mind going against the grain.
60. They have an independent spirit and make their own path in life.
61. They avoid large group settings.
62. They do not like loud noise and chaos.
63. They do not require validation from being the center of attention.
64. They prefer one-on-one or small group settings where they can get to know people on a deeper level.
65. They prefer solitude and space where they can think more clearly.
66. Large group settings sometimes seem overwhelming and so they do not stick around long.
67. They like to recharge in solitude or in the great outdoors.
68. While they might not be the life of the party, they can still be great contributors to any conversation or social occasion.
69. Their deep perspectives and thoughtful insights often add valuable insight to any discussion.
70. They are unapologetically themselves.
71. They embrace their differences and are confident in their individuality.
72. They do not apologize for their unique perspectives or unconventional way of doing things.
73. They typically do not feel the need to explain themselves unless asked to do so.
74. They typically do not try to impress others or show off.
75. Although they do care what others think, they will not compromise on principle just to be accepted by others.
76. They often do not hesitate telling others they are being foolish or doing wrong.
77. They are direct and upfront with their moral perspectives and value judgements.
78. They strive to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of all living things.
79. They are introvertive but adaptive to any situation.
80. They can appear extrovertive if they wish to.
81. They can easily adapt to any social setting.
82. They have confidence and poise.
83. They do not shy away from difficult conversations or confrontations.
84. They may use intimidation if it suites them, especially in the opposition of vanity and evil.
85. They use their experiences in human interactions to study human nature.
86. They are students of civics, to include human trends and predictability.
87. They often gather facts, study trends, and note details for planning purposes.
88. They are strategists and problem solvers.
89. They appreciate the value of accurate situational awareness, good judgement, and prioritizing tasks.
90. They value their privacy, autonomy, freedom, and independence.
91. They do not like being tied down unnecessarily. Hence, they delegate what they can.
92. They sometimes resist commitment, especially marital commitment.
93. Their confidence and strength are easily misinterpreted as arrogance, ego, or vanity.
94. They often prefer to work alone, but not always.
95. With larger more complex projects or tasks, they will integrate or lead a team, but they prefer working solo.
96. They will likely grow irritated with long-winded explanations, constant excuses, or by being bombarded by the opinions of others.
97. They do not like being rushed.
98. They are good at pacing themselves, controlling their emotions, and keeping their stress-levels down.
99. They value dispassionate objectivity.
100. They value peace and quiet and space to think.
101. The enjoy creativity and mediums of self-expression.
102. They enjoy experimentation and testing new ideas.
103. They often enjoy making things.
104. They are often successful entrepreneurs or business leaders.
105. As introverts, they do not like crowds but they very much value close friends.
106. They are very spiritual and maybe even religious, but they typically don’t like church or organized religion. Church typically makes them feel restricted and controlled. They do not like religious authorities trying to take precedence over conscience, personal judgment, choice, or private spiritual convictions.
107. They are very loyal to their friends and companions.
108. They are often viewed as loners or lone wolves, but they do value companionship, especially when it is the right companionship.
109. They are generally careful to treat others with respect and kindness.
110. Those who are closest to them know they can be counted on when needed for help or advice.
111. They do not take relationships lightly. They are committed and dependable.
112. They believe in family and responsible preparation for having a family. See my essay on preparing for a family and marriage.
113. They are very protective of family and friends or anyone they may encounter needing protection.
114. They understand that being a faithful and effective protector is an integral part of being a real man.
115. Though they may seem quiet and distant, they are actually very caring and compassionate once you get to know them.
116. They dislike small talk and shallow conversations.
117. They dislike boring or unproductive conversations.
118. They are usually very sober and serious and want to talk about serious things that really matter.
119. They really enjoy discussing new ideas and deep topics.
120. They enjoy intellectual conversations.
121. They enjoy challenging conversations with challenging people. They enjoy and value diverse opinions and points of view.
122. They like a good fight, meaning a difficult debate.
123. They may be momentarily amused by gossip, but they are offended by speculative or hurtful gossip.
124. They can be very playful and fun when circumstances are appropriate.
125. They very much value education and continuing their education.
126. They are assiduous readers.
127. They enjoy discovering new skills and talents and continuing to develop their skills and talents.
128. They don’t need anyone to entertain them. They are quite good at entertaining themselves.
129. They love special projects, creative activities, and challenges.
130. They try not to be selfish, but do not always succeed.
131. They believe in the pursuit of excellence.
132. They believe in doing what is right, especially in being fair, honest, and truthful.
133. They are committed to doing good and being good.
134. They are committed to doing that which brings the most value, the most benefit, and the best outcome.
135. They endeavor to reject all forms of vanity, false realities, and useless efforts.
136. They believe in truth. They are seekers of truth.

Well, that concludes my current master list. I am sure more could and should be said. So, please comment below and subscribe.