ETD | THE MAMBA MENTALITY: How Bryant’s Basketball Philosophy on the Pursuit of Excellence can Inspire the Next Generation toward Virtuous Action | ID: vh53ww88t (2024)

Abstract

The Mamba Mentality was developed by the late, great basketball legend Kobe Bryant during his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. His way of life, work ethic, and frame of mind is evidently expressed through his pursuit of excellence in basketball. By exploring ancient Greek philosophy relating to virtue ethics, I argue for an understanding of Aristotle's work that pertains to the significance of athletic training insofar as it is an activity of practicing practical elements of virtue as a vital counterpart to the theoretical aspects of philosophical virtues. Following my interpretation of Aristotle’s work, I dissect the Mamba Mentality, starting with the five pillars that Bryant articulated himself (Fearlessness, Relentlessness, Passion, Obsessiveness, and Resilience), into 24 different accessible attributes. I discern these specific attributes from Bryant’s words and actions, on and off the basketball court. Of course, the Mamba Mentality represents Bryant’s approach to life as much as it does his approach to basketball. His philosophy on the pursuit of excellence centers upon enjoying the arduous process of continuous self-improvement and helping inspire others to pursue excellence. The focus of his philosophy is intellectually profound and leads one, through proper embodiment, to engender excellent performance in one's own life. In many ways, this work establishes the philosophical relevance of Bryant’s Mamba Mentality and then demonstrates what exactly it is, in the fullest sense. Ultimately, the story of Kobe Bryant and his way of life is about the transformation of self and of others. Perhaps the contemporary models of education in the west fail to incorporate athletic training and, in doing so, restrict the youth's development to a purely theoretical realm. This thesis argues that the next generation would benefit greatly from employing tactics to further enhance the practical application of such knowledge and instilling aspects of the Mamba Mentality in the youth.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Meet Kobe Bryant1

A Noble End

The Philosophy of an Athlete

Affinity with Virtue Ethics

Thesis Roadmap

My Museum of Sources

1Athletics in Ancient Greece11

Ancient Gymnasia

The Relevance of Athletics in Aristotle’s Ethics

Section Summary

2Why The Mamba Mentality?27

Basketball and Kobe Bryant

Methodology of Research

Attributes Symbolize Realizations of the Mamba Mentality

3The Quality of Fearlessness40

Chase Ambitious Goals With Courage

Do Not Let Fear Inhibit Action

“Failure” is an Illusion

Cultivate True Self-Confidence & Self-Assurance

Remain Unfazed by Discomfort

4The Quality of Relentlessness57

Invest in Self-Discipline

Think Long-Term

Self-Assess, Diagnose, & Address

Rest at the End, Not in the Middle

Know Your Priorities

5The Quality of Passion77

Purpose is a Reservoir of Intrinsic Motivation

Love the Process

Make Prudent Sacrifices

Inspire Others

Help the Young Improve

6The Quality of Obsessiveness93

Study, Practice, Perform, Repeat

Feed Curiosity

Pay Attention to the Details

Refine Mental Endurance, Focus

Find Your Flow-State

7The Quality of Resilience110

Mental Toughness is about Striking a Balance

Use Negative Experiences as Motivation

Bounce Back and Endure

Be a Transformational Leader in Your Community

8Philosophy as A Way of Life128

Legacy

The Implications of Bryant’s Five Pillars

On the Education Process

Appendix A: Images of Architecture136

Appendix B: Images of Kobe Bryant143

Glossary151

Works Cited152

About this Honors Thesis