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Sunday, March 10, 2024

Basketball: Philotomo

Philotomo is a Greek word meaning honor and loyalty. Wikipedia describes it, "In its simplest form, the term means conscientiously honoring one's responsibilities and duties, and not allowing one's honor, dignity, and pride to be sullied."

Psychology Today describes it as, "that deep-seated awareness in the heart that motivates the good that a person does." It advises, "behaviors are not only a reflection of yourself but a reflection of your family, your community, and your country. Take pride in what you do simply because you have taken the time and effort to do it."

As a team member, represent. Behavior reflects who you are - attitudes, beliefs, and values. In Legacy, James Kerr explains how the All-Blacks are challenged to "leave the jersey in a better place." 

General MacArthur charged West Point graduates to remain faithful to "duty, honor, country." 

The Prime Video documentary Giannis, implies that philotomo explains Antetokounmpo's decision to extend his contract in smaller-market Milwaukee. It became his second home. 

Aspire to live the values associated with philotomo. Reflect on high-character individuals who fit the description. 

Bill Russell's career and life showed unfailing commitment to racial justice. He shared, "my ego demands the success of my team." 

Frances Perkins, the first woman cabinet member under FDR, showed a lifelong commitment to worker rights, enacting child labor laws, and in large part helped to establish the middle class. They became her philotomo. 

In Sam Walker's The Captain Class, he described team captains whose personality and leadership drove elite teams to high performance. "Buried inside an obscure 1997 clinical psychology textbook called Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors, there is a chapter titled “Blowhards, Snobs, and Narcissists: Interpersonal Reactions to Excessive Egotism.” The paper concluded that self-centered people who project arrogance through their speech and body language tend to be viewed less favorably by others and can weaken a group’s cohesion. The author of this was Timothy Duncan."

Live philotomo and prosper

Lagniappe. "Rebound and outlet" helps convert one successful possession into another. Symmetry demands defense find ways to stop it. 

Lagniappe 2. When your time comes, are you ready?