Integrity In American Culture

Integrity; it's a word that has seemed to be lost in our country as of late. There isn't much more to be said than that. In American culture, this virtue has seemingly lost all of its sheen, as being honest and showing moral uprightness is not exactly the most attractive of actions anymore. Indeed, if one were to ask a random bystander on the street what the word integrity actually means, they probably would not be able to answer accurately. I personally find that a sad truth, as integrity is not only something that I know, however, but it is also one of my most treasured virtues. I personally believe that integrity is not merely an idea. This virtue is an action; how one decides to live their life every single day.

The definition of integrity,

by the standard dictionary, is "The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness". However, while that may be true, I would like to add on to that incredibly simple definition. To me, integrity is so much more than just being honest and having strong principles. Sincerity, trustworthiness, ethics, honor, rectitude, and fairness, these words are only a few of the many synonyms this word exhibits. Integrity is a gift; a gift that one can either accept or squander. Also, it is choice about how someone wishes to live their life, and how others will see them. It is a decision about what one will decide to become when no one else is around. Quite literally, it is an unfiltered human being. People are who they are because of integrity, as it is the foundation of a personality.
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”(Brainy Quote) Now, while integrity does affect oneself, it also affects everyone who comes into contact with it. Integrity in itself has a way of almost drawing people in. Not only is it charismatic, but it is also honesty, sincerity, and honor. Furthermore, integrity is an incredibly unique virtue, as when one exhibits it, they automatically show signs of other noble traits. Integrity is the gateway to virtue, and virtue is the gateway to a memorable life.
If one were to observe closely, almost every great leader in history had a strong sense of integrity. George Washington, Socrates, Martin Luther, Rosa Parks, all of them showed a strong sense of honesty and high moral standard. That says something about the importance of exhibiting such a trait. To truly be a great leader, one must first prove themselves to have a high moral standard. Integrity raises people to the best they can be, and helps men leave their mark on the history of the world. This virtuous trait has the power to change the world.
The word integrity is grossly undefined and underrated. Most everyone would say that integrity is what one does around the house when they are alone. Now, while that may be true, the word is worthy of a much more in-depth description then that. To be perfectly honest, it is many things. Not only is it a virtue, but integrity is quite simply a lifestyle. Integrity on the outside may seem to be simple, however, at its core, it is one of the most complex virtues a man can exhibit. However one decides to define it, integrity is one of the most important traits one can exhibit. Without it, what would one be but an empty shell.