Integrity: The Highest Virtue

What is integrity? It's an imperative mindset and one of the highest virtues you can strive for.

What is integrity?

Oxford defines integrity as "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness." Integrity is an imperative trait because it is the dedication to "moral uprightness." To me, someone with integrity unwaveringly follows their moral compass, even when it seems difficult.

Does this describe you? Do you choose to do right even in the face of temptation? Do you speak the truth even if it gets a little stuck in your throat? Do you advocate for those who don't have a voice of their own? I hope you can say yes to all of these questions, if not now, then eventually.

Ponder your integrity with the question "what am I made of?" Is it unscratchable steel? Malleable brass? Maybe fragile glass? If I took a mallet to your character, would it give in with force or remain unscathed? You want to be the kind of person whose character is impenetrable and so strong that it cannot be easily broken or bent.

How to acquire integrity

Like most things in life, gaining integrity is a lifelong pursuit, don't worry if you still have a long way to go. When you hold something to heat it changes, and so too will you when you have to face the fire of life's challenges. You will know the importance of integrity when you see liars and cheats face the music, or when you feel the satisfaction of hard work paying off. When you do good, the good comes back to you tenfold, and when you do bad the consequences sting.

Put your morals to the forefront of your mind. With every action, embody them and speak out against wrongdoing. This will keep you in virtuous cycles rather than vicious ones.

The best examples of integrity

• Be impeccable with your word. Do what you say you'll do.

• Call out immoral actions (by yourself and others)

• Do your best in everything

• Be as honest as possible

• Be kind, patient, and understanding with others

• Don't gossip

• Apologize when you do wrong

• Surround yourself with people who have integrity

• Be generous and expect nothing in return

• Have courage

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Let me know what you think about this! You can find me on insta @ariels_view :) If you liked this post check out some similar ones below!