I’m drawing a line in the sand.
Integrity is the most important of all virtues!
It is also the most difficult virtue or character trait to define.
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.
It is being upfront about your values and consistent in their application.
It is being whole, unbroken, complete.
Integrity is the framework that contains all other virtues.
The army of ancient Rome used this word [integrity] almost daily in its inspection ritual. A commander would walk the line of legionnaires, inspecting each man to confirm that he was fit for duty. As the commander came before one of his men, the soldier would sweep his fist hard into the middle of his chest, just over his heart, and shout “Integras!” The commander first listened for that rich, full quality of a healthy soldier’s voice and then he listened for the clang that well-kept armor would emit when struck. The two sounds–the man’s voice and the condition of his armor–confirmed the integrity of the soldier.
-Stephen Mansfield, Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men
What happens when integrity fails?
Everything else follows.
For example, a ship’s structural integrity is compromised when a pinhole leak forms.
If that leak is not discovered and repaired, it will lead to the entire loss of the ship.
The same is true for the reputation of a person.
When one virtue is compromised, the entire person is compromised.
That person’s lack of integrity compromises everything else.
How much do you think about integrity?
How do you apply it in your everyday life?
Curious to learn more about how you can be a person of integrity?
Book a call with me today!