Personal Integrity

Integrity can have several meanings, and generally evokes positive connotations. Integrity is the quality of being consistent throughout, and therefore strong, substantial or reliable.

When integrity is applied to buildings or other structures, it carries the idea of being strong. Often when the word "integrity" is used in the context of buildings, it is in a negative sense. For example, after an earthquake, buildings that appear to be strong on the outside are sometimes condemned because they have been weakened on an unseen level. The structural integrity has been compromised, even though the building looks fine.

Personal integrity deals with how people interact with each other. A person with integrity has a set of standards and follows them consistently. Integrity, honesty and morality often have a lot in common, but are not the exact same thing. Honesty means that a person will tell the truth -- what they say lines up with the actual state of how things are. Morality means adherence to a code of right and wrong. Examples of honesty and integrity abound and are often used to teach people what these values look like.

Personal integrity is respected, because people want to feel that they can trust others. If a person is consistently inconsistent, it's hard to develop that trust. Even two people who are inconsistent will have a hard time trusting one another. Despite the saying, "There is Honor Among Thieves," among people who do not have personal integrity, there is usually not a lot of trust. One of the great side effects of displaying personal integrity is that people will see you as more credible. Honesty really is the best policy -- and it's a lot easier to keep your story straight when it's the truth.