a proud insubordination, aphorism 207, The Mechanics of Virtue by Matt Berry
207
Alpha-minus exists within conditions which require superior intellectual ability than that of the prevailing Alpha. When it manifests itself as righteousness, it is a proud insubordination which succeeds in justifying itself. At its highest, it is a severe rationality and fearless honesty. But the impetus toward that higher standard, against which it reflects its value, is humiliation.