What is integrity?
When we think of the classical warriors, whether it be the Knights of medieval Europe, the Samurai of feudal Japan or the Greek Spartans, it's hard not to recognize that they lived by a particular set of principles that helped forge their reputations.
This article is focused on one in particular; integrity!
So what exactly do we mean by integrity and why is that important to us today?
This article is focused on one in particular; integrity!
So what exactly do we mean by integrity and why is that important to us today?
Ethos
In Wikipedia, integrity is defined as “a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.”
Defined this way, the basic idea is that integrity is the quality of consistency in character; you act as you believe, and your values match your behavior. Basically, the opposite of hypocrisy. However, avoiding romanticism, we also realize that this allows for the integrity of really evil people. The argument is that a person can have integrity so long as their actions match their chosen belief or ethical system. It doesn’t matter what that ethical system is, so long as their actions are in line with it.
This forms the basis for an ethos, which is defined as "the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations."
Today we can see this in extremist groups like Isis. However does this really match up with the integrity our ancestral warriors held?
Defined this way, the basic idea is that integrity is the quality of consistency in character; you act as you believe, and your values match your behavior. Basically, the opposite of hypocrisy. However, avoiding romanticism, we also realize that this allows for the integrity of really evil people. The argument is that a person can have integrity so long as their actions match their chosen belief or ethical system. It doesn’t matter what that ethical system is, so long as their actions are in line with it.
This forms the basis for an ethos, which is defined as "the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations."
Today we can see this in extremist groups like Isis. However does this really match up with the integrity our ancestral warriors held?
Ethics
If we look into the Merriam-Webster Dictionary,integrity is defined as:
Here we see an emphasis on a sense of unity, or completeness aside a moral code. I am reminded of the many historical examples of valiant warriors facing overwhelming odds to uphold the unity of their people, as well as their honor. One example is the battle of Thermopylae, which was the basis of the movie 300.
- firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
- an unimpaired condition : soundness
- the quality or state of being complete or undivided :completeness
Here we see an emphasis on a sense of unity, or completeness aside a moral code. I am reminded of the many historical examples of valiant warriors facing overwhelming odds to uphold the unity of their people, as well as their honor. One example is the battle of Thermopylae, which was the basis of the movie 300.
So then... what does it mean for you to have integrity?