The Importance of Integrity

Integrity is how somebody lives their life. In this life we live, we face choices every day that only we can answer. We dictate how we run our own lives, and they way we run them defines us. Integrity is doing the right thing versus the wrong thing. People, if nothing else, can always have their pride, their integrity. It is something that means a lot to some people and then nothing to others. The ones who value their integrity highly are the good people in this world, and the opposite is true for those who do not value their integrity.

Integrity has been defined as “Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive” by a good friend of mine and college graduate. The dictionary describes it as “Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.” I enjoy Peter’s definition more then the official definition, however, the “genuine state” part of the dictionary definition is also really good.

Another friend gave a similar response: “morality, high standards.” Yet another friend from my high school, gave a longer, more unique assessment of the term: “Integrity is the idea of forcing yourself to adhere to some code of values, either wanted or unwanted, and in the end giving up what you want to conform to your definition of worth through integrity.” That is obviously a more cynical view of the term, which I don’t totally agree with.

My friends and I pretty much agree what integrity is. Morals and honesty. Those are what make our society work. Without it, we have anarchy. Basic human decency helps us live in a basically good world. Of course it is not perfect (see: gang members, terrorists, and the likes), but those who choose to live their lives with g...

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...ople need to take some pride in their work. If you have a paper due tomorrow, don’t go out with your friends and drink and then come in at midnight and try writing. You may not particularly like doing work. You may not like the class, but the work you do is a representation of you, so do your best work!

In conclusion, integrity is a vital part of all our lives. Without a basic human integrity, we are animals. Integrity defines how we live, and who we are. Are we good people? Is our neighborhood safe? Is our college a great place to live? When trying to answer these questions, you first look at the integrity. In life and in death, a man will always be defined by his integrity. Is this neighborhood safe for me to my family to? Is this college a good one to send my child to? These questions are constantly being asked, and the answer always lies in integrity.