History Main / HumansAreLeaders

** JustfiedTrope since Robin is a strategic genius.

* ''TheReconstruction'' justifies it through a lack of competition. Of the other two sentient species in the setting, the [[LizardFolk shra]] have a tendency to follow whoever seems strongest, the [[RubberForeheadAliens fortians]] don't care much about outside affairs, and the [[CatGirl fih'jik]] are traditionalistic to a fault, leaving humans as the primary explorers and leaders.

* In ''{{Farscape}}'', the very human-like Sebaceans are one of the two major powers in the galaxy. [[spoiler:As it turns out, they actually ''are'' genetically-engineered proto-humans from way back.]] As for the main cast, though the human Crichton is the main character, [[SubvertedTrope he isn't the leader]] - when they finally choose one, it's [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy D'Argo]].

** It's also notable that it took Humanity a grand total of 60 years to go from First Contact to a seat on the ruling Council. The Council has existed for ''millenia'', and every other sentient race joining the galactic community was just made a client race (save the Turians, who got their seat for almost single-handedly putting down the Krogan Rebellions). Humanity basically blusters its way in by showing up, expecting to be given a Council seat, and then getting annoyed that it's taking so long for the Council to catch up and do it already. And it works!

* ''DungeonsAndDragons'': In early editions, only humans were allowed to be Paladins, the natural party leader class. This was {{Justified}} by the D&D universe being "humanocentric", with humans as the most dominant race. Later explanations fleshed the concept out more, in that humans make up for their short lifespans and lack of specialized ability in any given area (elves for magic, dwarves for blacksmithing, etc.) with an ambition and drive longer-lived races lack and a knack for being able to become skilled in almost ''any'' profession, in essence becoming an entire race of [[TheMario Marios]]. By comparison, dwarves tended to not be very skilled at magic, halflings weren't the most skilled fighters, etc.

* ''TheReconstruction'' justifies it through a lack of competition. Of the other two sentient species in the setting, the [[LizardFolk Shra]] have a tendency to follow whoever seems strongest, and the [[CatGirl Fih'Jik]] are traditionalistic to a fault, leaving humans as the primary innovators.

* Probably a coincidence, but for a short time Bouncing Boy is designated as leader for the LegionOfSuperheroes. Guess which planet he's from. Go on.

* A Slight variation: ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans''. There are only two aliens in the group, Starfire and Raven, But Beast Boy and Cyborg have powers. Robin, the only completely normal Human on the team is considered leader.

* Probably a coincidence, but for a short time Bouncing Boy is designated as leader for the Legion of Superheroes. Guess which planet he's from. Go on.
* A Slight variation: TeenTitans. There are only two aliens in the group, Starfire and Raven, But Beast Boy and Cyborg have powers. Robin, the only completely normal Human on the team is considered leader.

* In E.E. "Doc" Smith's ''{{Lensman}}'' stories the humans of [[strike:Earth]] Tellus led and provided most of the membership of the Galactic Patrol, even though other races were involved.

-->"Look, little girl. When you [[IDidWhatIHadToDo want a problem shot]], ask a [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy turian]]. When you [[ObstructiveBureaucrat want a problem talked to death]], ask an [[GreenSkinnedSpaceBabe asari]]. When you [[NiceJobBreakingItHero want a new problem]], ask a [[TheGreys salarian]]. [[HumanityIsSuperior When you want a problem fixed, ask a human.]]"
-->-- '''Commander Shepard''', ''MassEffect''

* In ''{{FarScape}}'', the very human-like Sebaceans are one of the two major powers in the galaxy. [[spoiler:As it turns out, they actually ''are'' genetically-engineered proto-humans from way back.]] As for the main cast, though the human Crichton is the main character, [[{{Subversion}} he isn't the leader]] - when they finally choose one, it's [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy D'Argo]].

[[AC:{{Western Animation}}]]

Compare ''and'' contrast HumansAreWarriors; both may be in play at the same time, but usually it's either one or the other. ''Definitely ''contrast with HumansAreMorons. MightyWhitey is an earthbound sister trope. It goes hand in hand with HumansAreDiplomats.

* In ''FarScape'', the very human-like Sebaceans are one of the two major powers in the galaxy. [[spoiler:As it turns out, they actually ''are'' genetically-engineered proto-humans from way back.]]
** Forget the Sebaceans, who's leading our motley crew? The fish-out-of-water Earthman is it not?
*** It is not. When they get around to formally designating a leader of their group it is not Chriton by D'argo.

* StargateSG1 in spades. Let's face it the Tok'ra and Asgard have been spinning their wheels for milennia - and the Nox, the Tollan and the Ancients aren't even trying. But when four man teams of Earthpeople get in the mix we get solutions for problems like the Goa'uld, the Replicators, the Ori, the Wraith...!

* In John D. [=MacDonald's=] ''Ballroom of the Skies'', the galactic government deliberately keeps Earth [[PoweredByAForsakenChild impoverished and war-torn]] ... because that [[TheSpartanWay toughens Earthpeople spiritually]] to the point that they make good recruits — to '''''[[UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans run]]''''' the galactic government.

* In John D. [=MacDonald's=] ''Ballroom of the Skies'', the galactic government deliberately keeps Earth [[PoweredByAForsakenChild impoverished and war-torn]] ... because that [[TheSpartanWay toughens Earthpeople spiritually]] to the point that they make good recruits — to '''''[[UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans run]]''''' the galactic government.

*** It is not. When they get around te formally designating a leader of their group it is not Chriton by D'argo.

Compare ''and'' contrast HumansAreWarriors; both may be in play at the same time, but usually it's either one or the other. MightyWhitey is an earthbound sister trope. It goes hand in hand with HumansAreDiplomats.