Definition of integrity
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According to Merriam Webster, integrity is:
1 - firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 - an unimpaired condition: SOUNDNESS
3 - the quality or state of being complete or undivided COMPLETENESS
synonym see HONESTY

According to Oxford Dictionary, (the origin of) integrity is:

integrity / ntegriti /
ORIGIN - Latin: integritas; from integer ‘intact, whole’. Noun
1 - the quality of being honest and morally upright.
2 - the state of being whole or unified.
3 - soundness of construction.

 

A few thoughts on the matter: The following information is simply an opinion based on life experiences and a personal understanding of truth and honesty—which are part of the foundational aspects of true integrity.

 

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Integrity is a skillTraining

1) As with all skills, they are developed and acquired over time. For example, few people have an inherent skill in math and most people must learn the rules and exceptions associated with math to finally grasp the concept. As a result, one becomes proficient in math after memorization and repeating techniques. This is also characteristic of Integrity.

2) A qualified carpenter must endure years of training, practice, and exposure to different types of building materials and various construction related scenarios that call for their talent. Integrity must also endure years of practice and exposure to a myriad of life scenarios, for integrity is not necessarily inherent within a person's temperament and personality. Instead, integrity is a trait that is learned and mastered over an individual's lifetime.
Who, what, where, when, why and how

3) Each of us, individually, have to learn what integrity is, how integrity works, who can have integrity, when to use integrity, where integrity applies, and why integrity is so important in your personal definition of success. Consider integrity as a tool you can use your entire life. You can’t force integrity on someone else and no one can force integrity on you and expect it to last. The people who can have integrity are those who want it and see its value. No one else.
Point of reference

4) Integrity is a guideline, a benchmark, and a point of reference. Integrity is a goal that is used to make decisions grounded in truth and honesty. All things are related to this point of reference and judged accordingly. To maintain integrity, you must remember to refer to truth and honesty in all decisions, thoughts, actions, and reactions. That is not an option if you are to have and maintain integrity in your life.
A great tower

5) Integrity is something that a person builds and maintains during a lifetime. You can consider integrity as a tower within a person's heart that starts when the person makes the decision to allow integrity to be a beacon, lighting the path toward a destination. This tower begins with the first hole that is dug. Once the hole is dug, the foundation is laid—usually by parents and other leaders (i.e. from educational or religious institutions). The walls follow with windows and doors added along the way. The windows provide transparency and the light of truth. The doors allow for simple modification of a person's definition of integrity to enter into the life-long training; trusting it is for the better. Once the fundamental aspects of integrity are complete, the roof is added and serves to protect already established principles from negative outside forces.
Tomorrow is a new day

6) Leaving the past where it belongs and picking up the pieces to move forward is critical if you choose to evolve and become a better person. Keys that lead to success in this endeavor include a positive attitude, relative understanding, true humility, grasping the reins of life firmly, and implementing a new and improved plan to work toward. This new endeavor allows today and tomorrow to be a clean slate. Let go of the past and concentrate on the present, which will directly affect the future.

Looking back is important to learn from our mistakes—but leave it at that—looking back. Do not bring the past into the present for any other reason, especially if the past is tainted.

Make new memories. Memories that are ethical and moral. Make blameless memories that shout and echo integrity in your life.
Act as if

7) It is important to think about the future in the present tense. That is to say, live life as though what you are striving for has already happened and you are already benefiting from its blessing. If you keep thinking of what you desire as something you will experience in the future, in this case integrity, it will remain in the future. Bring it into the present and act as if you already have what you desire. Live that life now.
Maintenance

9) Integrity must be maintained. A janitor works as a caretaker and you must be like a janitor to maintain true integrity. If you avoid the dust that settles and do not remove the trash that accumulates, your (definition of) integrity begins to decay and decrease in value. A strict maintenance schedule must be kept or the integrity that has taken a lifetime to build could come crumbling down in a short period of time—and possibly in just a matter of minutes.

Loss of integrity

11) It’s critical to note that integrity can be lost or compromised beyond recognition in a person's life. Implementing Integrity into our lives is not any easier the second time around.

It’s important to recognize that one of the following is the first step and perhaps the greatest step of many to come:

  • I admit, integrity was never a part of my life in the first place
  • I admit, integrity in my life was compromised
  • Integrity vanished completely from my life

The second step is to do something about it—and that is to make the decision to plant a new seed and water it daily.

Honesty

13) To be honest is to apply integrity to a situation, circumstance, or instance. It is important to note that honesty and integrity go hand-in-hand without exception or separation. There are few things that complicate an issue or hurt more than dishonesty. At least honesty leaves a person with some sense of closure and dignity—despite the fact that honesty may sometimes hurt because painful truth may be revealed.

Integrity will:

  • will begin and continue as a personal on-going decision to stand firm on inherently good principals
  • will most likely take the long, straight, and narrow path and does not cave into lying, cheating, or stealing
  • will tell the truth over a lie despite the consequences
  • will face the consequences instead of compromising itself
  • will help to steer a person clear of those that easily bow to a corrupt nature
  • will lend a helping hand simply as a by-product of this exceptional lifestyle decision
  • will diminish and eventually disappear if you choose to ignore and abandon its blessing
  • will set you apart from people who chose to follow the lead of a popular influencer without integrity
  • will sometimes separate you from the in-crowd
  • will make some people uncomfortable around you because of their own insecurities, problems and guilt
  • will impress some people only because of your decision to adhere to a (sometimes) difficult lifestyle
  • will sometimes put you into tight situations that appear to be needlessly difficult
  • will allow for rebuilding and continue to blossom if you choose to let it grow within
  • will eventually result in blessing after blessing in your life and in the lives of those around you
The great cathedral

18) Before we move on, I want to suggest the following story for your consideration (I’m leading to something):

During the middle ages (400-1400 A.D.) a great cathedral was under construction and employed many skilled laborers. One day a strange man came to town and asked several of the men what they were doing.

One man answered, "I have to lay this brick to feed my nagging wife and my many ungrateful children.."

Another man answered by saying, I am trying to pass the time until I die and at the same time keep myself afloat."

A man who would not look up said, "I am following my father's footsteps and doing what I am told."

An older man answered by saying, "I am a mason, this is what I do." Yet another man was heard saying, "I do this because I have many debts to pay.."

Yet another man was heard saying, "I do this because I have many debts to pay."

Then the stranger saw a young man laying brick who worked feverishly unlike the other workers. Intrigued, the stranger questioned this young man next.

After hearing the question, the young brick layer stopped, studied the yet unfinished building and answered by saying,

"I'm taking part in the greatest building project in history. A cathedral unlike any other in the world. One of surpassing beauty and size. This cathedral will be the greatest the world has ever seen. I am only laying the block, but my efforts will help this great cathedral to stand the test of time so future generations can marvel at, and appreciate its awesome beauty."

The previous story about the building of the cathedral reveals that it is not about what you have to do, it is not about what you want to do, nor about what you think you should do in all things. But instead, it is about how you do all things in life.

How you do what you have to do, how you do what you want to do, and how you do what you think you should do, will help to determine your success. Throughout life, you will have to do things, you will want to do things, and you will think you should do things, but it is the quality of how you do all things that ultimately matters.

Integrity plays a critical part in quality decisions, thoughts, and actions. It will be obvious to others by how you act and react to expected and unexpected circumstances.

The gifted musician (practice)

22) Everybody enjoys one or several types of music, regardless of their gender, culture, age, or beliefs. Music is truly one of the few universal avenues for artists to express themselves where others will consider their art despite their social standing in society.

I believe it is safe to say everyone enjoys listening to music, but few enjoy both listening to music and creating music. Some musicians are good; some musicians are great, and there are those who are exceptionally gifted at creating music or playing an instrument. Regardless of the musician’s ability, all, even gifted musicians, must practice regularly.

I attended a concert recently where a fan of the featured musician anxiously walked up to his favorite performer after the show and said "You're an outstanding musician!"

The artist replied by saying "Thank you. I appreciate you saying so. I practice every day."

Just as the great musician must practice everyday to maintain a high-level of artistic talent, we too must practice implementing integrity into our lives everyday.

Remembering to practice

25) Practicing integrity occasionally is not acceptable if we are to benefit fully from the blessing integrity has to offer over a lifetime. Integrity should be allowed to flow freely in the mainstream of our thoughts and actions. That does not happen overnight. It is a decision we must make every morning after we wake up. Integrity is a decision we need to remember to make every morning and throughout the whole day.

Studies show that if you do something twenty-one times in a row (not like a robot in immediate succession, but daily), that function should be ingrained enough into your life that it becomes second nature.

A simple note on the bathroom mirror, one just above the door knob of your bedroom, or some place where you are sure to see it every morning—for 21 days or more—should do the trick. Give it a shot.

A decision

27) You can do it.

Applying integrity into your daily life is as simple as a decision—one of many that will be based on wisdom, good judgment, discernment, and knowledge.

Choose to incorporate integrity int your life today.

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29) Choosing a wonderful life over just life can make the difference between success and failure, peace and chaos, love and hate, and integrity plays a key role in those decisions

Choose to be like the young man laying the brick to build what he believes to be the greatest cathedral in the world—choose a good attitude

Choose to plant a seed that will become the immovable oak

Choose to be like the janitor that maintains a clean household

Choose to be a cup that can hold water and is half full instead of half empty

Requests for permissionBack to top

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November 12, 2013 9:49 pm PST

"I want to use your definition of Integrity as a form of Ministry to our Ministers wives who I would like to equip in knowledge, this word of Integrity . Which I know that it is important to have in our daily life. The way you interpreted this word or defined it impacted my life....I would like to share it with them in my meetings that we have every Wednesday!

Sincerely your servant,

Sister Marcela!"

Marcela G.
Los Frenos Tx 78566

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November 13, 2013 at 10:20 am PST

"Clearly inspired and obviously heartfelt, with a great deal of wisdom thrown in. It is an honor for the opportunity to be able to use this for my family's personal growth. Your name and website will always be noted for credit and reference. I appreciate your willingness to share this with the public.

Michelle P.
Ohio USA

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October 14, 2013 @ 10:37 pm PDT

I am preparing a book as a Christmas gift for family of quotes and ideas from Lord of the Rings -- a theme of that seems to be integrity. I would like to use some of your quotes to support my points. This is just a one book-- just hand written for nephews and nieces.

Leslie G.
Celeste, Texas United States

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RebuildingBack to top

8) If you step away from a life guided by integrity, just as you can re-build a house when it falls into disrepair, you too can re-establish integrity in your life. Consider integrity as a tool which you use to restore a life of honesty and trust. Note that if you set out to rebuild a house, it does not happen in a matter of hours or days. Reconstruction is a process that usually takes months and sometimes years, so dig in and hold on. Renovation includes phases such as planning, organization, demolition (sometimes painful), and then the reconstruction. Take one step at a time.

For many people, it is scary to change or to try something new. They may ask “how do I start?” “Am I doing this right?” It is different for everyone in many ways, but also the same in many ways—it is the same, but different. I once heard someone say that the guidance system for the Space Shuttle does not work until after launch. Just take the first step and fake it until you make it to your destination. Once you get going, picture yourself traveling from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA at night, relying only on the headlights to light up just enough of the road to get you to Boston without issue. You will succeed.

A plant

10) Integrity can also be considered like a plant. It is planted as a seed in youth by loved ones, watered in childhood by the individual and eventually blossoms in adulthood, producing fruit. The more you water it throughout life, the more it grows and blooms. As with all plants, if neglected at any point, they will wither and die. If your plant has died, simply plant a new seed. Water it daily and make sure it gets plenty of sun! Note that a plant does not blossom immediately but must first go through a growth cycle. Getting familiar with how integrity works will take a while.
Delusions are simpleBack to top

12) Have no illusions, for integrity is not especially easy. Again, just as you can implement integrity into your own life, so too can integrity be lost. Some of the most destructive things and destructive behavior in life are easy to accomplish. One thing you can almost always count on in life is;

If it’s worth anything of real value, it will probably not be easy to obtain.
Holding up to the test

14) Consider the cup that cannot hold water. A person that lives their life without integrity is like a cup that cannot hold water. The crack may not be visible to the eye, but if it doesn't hold up to the test, that cup is virtually worthless. Many people walk around with a small crack that is easily hidden, but time reveals the flaw to everyone.
Integrity will not:Back to top

  • will not allow for decisions which may compromise personal belief and faith
  • will not always appear to help a situation
  • will not be an easy decision for all situations
  • will not be Disneyland-and-roses all the time
  • will not give into peer pressure simply because everyone is doing it
  • will not always, in an obvious way, come to the rescue
  • will not guarantee friends—in fact, it may repel people
  • will not fail you, ever, and if it seems as though integrity has failed, time will reveal integrity did not fail
  • will not break down—it may appear to, but it cannot be broken
  • will not give up unless it is compromised by you
  • will not force itself on anyone, for integrity must be received willingly
  • will not exist where it is not wanted or appreciated
  • will not discriminate because integrity is available to everyone equally
  • will not allow anything to separate honesty and truth from itself
  • will flourish with your gratitude and appreciation
  • will not disappoint
Role of integrity in love

17) Integrity helps to define love. Although many things collectively define love, Integrity is a little different because it plays a unique role in love. Integrity acts as a binder that helps to keep together all the things that make up love, so love remains constant and pure. For example, without a binder such as water, bread would be nothing more than baked powder with seasoning. Paper would be a collection of loose fibers.

Integrity can help to define you by acting as a binder which keeps your words, your thoughts, and your actions honest, worthy, and admirable to those around you.
Benefits of integrityBack to top

19) Integrity always, without exception, benefits a person. Unfortunately, the benefits integrity may offer are not always immediately obvious. In fact, sometimes the benefits of Integrity are not obvious for many years. It is possible for a person to live most of their lives and not see the benefits of integrity until later in life. It is different for everyone and does not mean it is better or worse for you. It simply means it may be different for you.
Notice

20) You can live life any way you want. That is to say, you can live your life for good or for bad. Nothing is stopping you from acting on any thoughts you may have—whether negative or positive. But, once you act on any negative thoughts, you will surely be in the cross-hairs of law enforcement before you get too far.

The only thing that separates a crazy man from a normal man is...

...the crazy man does it.
~ Unknown

People aren’t necessarily born either good or bad. It’s all about a choice and an attitude. We, alone, choose to be good or bad. Whether we’re good or bad is usually obvious by our perpetual attitude. That is to say, the sum of our actions and attitude will speak volumes of our intentions.
Experiences

21) Integrity is not a one-time experience or situation. Instead, Integrity is an on-going experience of a collection of situations where sound decisions are made based on good judgment, discernment, wisdom and knowledge.
By-products of integrityBack to top

23) Integrity has its by-products. As you become more familiar with a lifestyle which allows for integrity to bloom wild and free, life is usually filled with more and more peace. After a while of on-going decisions guided by integrity, other people begin to take notice. Employers begin to place more trust in you and your abilities. Friends rely more and more on your apparent wisdom. As a result, better decisions based on personal integrity inherently leads to a better life.
Misdirected hate

24) As a direct result of your decision to establish integrity in your life, you will gain favor with some people. Unfortunately, some will despise you for it—which is another by-product. People hate other people for the strangest reasons. Someone dedicated to truth and honesty is a typical target for those who invite chaos and the misfortune of hate. There are many reasons for this misdirected hate, but a common reason is the hater’s own insecurity. When it happens, let that hate roll past you like a beach ball rolling in the wind. Don’t take it on. Step out of its way and move forward.
Other definitionsBack to top

26) People can tweak or modify their definition of integrity to suit any current needs, desires, and ambitions. For that reason, it is possible to have a large number of definitions of the word—but that does not necessarily mean all are sound definitions of integrity.

We must be careful, for we can rationalize ourselves into anything.
Personal definition

28) This personal definition of integrity is an attempt to offer an unbiased presentation of what integrity can and cannot mean. As the author, I am compelled to volunteer that:
  • this definition of integrity is in no way the one-and-only true definition of integrity
  • this definition of integrity has a sincere intention to help explain the many sides of integrity's purity and benefits so that the reader can decide for themselves
  • this definition of integrity should help to answer some of the many questions people may have about integrity and the possible role it may play in a person's life, in decision making, any thoughts, and actions
  • this definition of integrity should broaden one's insight about how much of a role integrity plays in their daily life, even minute-to-minute

 

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