Christopher V. Flett

If you wonder why men have the need to quote the Godfather over and over again, it’s because it shows what a powerful Alpha Male family does to survive and thrive in an unforgiving world. It shows the fundamentals of loyalty, retribution, protection, family first, earning, not letting anything get in your way, and making sure that the ‘family’ is always cared for. For any woman looking to understand the Alpha Males in her life (husbands, sons, bosses, colleagues, start here.

Lesson #1. Never go against your family. Family comes first.

Michael to Fredo (his brother): “Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever!”

Lesson #2. Don’t get in the way of how a man makes his money.

Don Corleone to a business contact: “Wait a minute… I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them as you can see. They talk when they should listen. Anyway, Signor Sollozzo, my no to you is final. I want to congratulate you on your new business and I’m sure you’ll do very well and good luck to you. Especially since your interests don’t conflict with mine. Thank you.”

Lesson #3. When a man is committed to an end, nothing will stop him.

Michael: “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

Lesson #4. Stand up and be a man when you are facing a challenge.

Lesson #5. Know your priorities.

Peter Clemenza (after murdering a turncoat): “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”

Lesson #6. Make friends before you need them.

Don Corleone: “We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you’ve come to me for counsel or for help. I can’t remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let’s be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt. I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn’t need a friend like me. Now you come and say “Don Corleone, give me justice.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me “Godfather.”

You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder – for money. Bonasera, Bonasera, what have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? If you’d come to me in friendship, this scum who ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And if by some chance an honest man like yourself made enemies they would become my enemies. And then, they would fear you.

Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, consider this justice a gift on my daughter’s wedding day.”

Watch the Godfather and understand why Alphas love it so much. It is, and will always be, the Alpha Male manifesto. It isn’t just about influence, power and money. It is about a man having an honor code that may (or may not) share the same side of the fence as the law. What is just is not always legal. Long live Don Corleone.