Webster tells us that, among other things, a philosopher is a person who meets all events, whether favorable of unfavorable, with calmness and composure, Furthermore, among the comments he makes in defining philosophy are such statements as: originally, love of wisdom or knowledge; a study of the processes governing thought and conduct; the general principles or laws of a field of knowledge or activity; and a study of human morals, character, and behavior.
These definitions certainly indicate the necessity of a coach being somewhat of a philosopher and having a philosophy of his own if he is to do well in his chosen profession.
Psychiatrists tell us that two of the possible symptoms of insanity are delusions of grandeur and delusions of persecution. Since all coaches are subject to delusions of grandeur when their teams on occasion may accomplish what did not seem possible and subject to delusions of persecution when every close call and every break seem to go against them, they must be philosophically inclined to accept such events with calmness and composure and continue to make decisions in the clear light of common sense.
Coaches must also be able to react in a philosophical manner to the unpredictable emotional reactions of players, fans, opponents, and all others who have, or think they have, a very personal interest in the participants, the playing, and the scores of the games.
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