Integrity

Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

A PoetrySoup definition: Doing what is right when no one is looking. Doing what is morally right in spite of what others do or how others treat you.

Examples of Integrity

• After the U.S. Civil War, General Robert E. Lee (1807 ~ 1870) was offered $10,000 a year to become President, in name only, of an insurance company. He declined the offer with these words, "Excuse me, sir; I cannot consent to receive pay for services I do not render."
  

• Here's the second example I promised. Bobby (Robert Tyre) Jones (1902 ~ 1971) was a lawyer and amateur golfer. He was also the first to achieve the Grand Slam - winning in a single year the four major tournaments. From 1923 through 1930 he won 13 championships in those four annual tournaments. His record was unmatched until 1973, when it was finally broken by Jack Nicklaus. The above attests to his athletic skills; now let's move on to a testament of his integrity. In a national championship, he drove his ball into the woods, and accidentally nudged it. Although no one saw him move the ball, he penalized himself one stroke, which caused him to lose the game by that margin. When praised for his integrity, he said, "You might as well praise a man for not robbing a bank."

Now that we have some examples of integrity in action, it's time for an example of what integrity is not. Lance has much to like about him. He's energetic, curious about life, and an avid reader. But others think he is obnoxious. You see, although he's interested in self-improvement, his focus is on OTHERS improving themselves. He loves to be 'brutally honest', with the emphasis on brutality and the neglect of honesty. He doesn't hesitate to tell others any of the following: "You're too fat and need to lose weight!" "I have never heard of such a stupid idea; you're completely wrong!" "Sick? You're not sick; it's all in your mind!"

When asked why he is so hurtful to others, Lance simply replies, "I can't help it. I'm honest and say whatever is on my mind. If others can't handle the truth, it's their problem, not mine." Integrity is noble, Lance's behavior is not. Integrity springs from the desire to do what is RIGHT. Lance's conduct is an attempt to prop up his falling self-esteem. Unable to think of something good to say about himself, he points out the 'weaknesses' of others with the hope it proves he is superior. Integrity inspires others; Lance's actions demean others. Integrity is about honesty. Lance is not honest because he lies when he says, "I can't help it." Of course he can help it, but he chooses not to change because bolstering his ego is more important to him than freeing others from the pain he inflicts.

Content taken from...http://www.personal-development.com/chuck/integrity.htm