What is integrity?

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” ~C.S. Lewis

With so much turmoil unfolding in our country lately, I’ve been thinking about the word integrity. Growing up, I was taught to believe that integrity was an essential quality to expect in leaders of business and government. Integrity was also something to consider (without compromise) when choosing my friends and life partner.

So what does integrity really mean? Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines it:

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility. 2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness. 3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness.

Integrity isn’t always easy or comfortable. People who practice what they preach have integrity — and they refuse to allow corrupted behavior to be hidden behind a uniform of authority or religious power. They respect the truth. They value the needs and feelings of others as well as their own. People who have integrity aren’t perfect — but are willing to admit when they’re wrong and correct their mistakes. I believe that having integrity means you can face yourself in the mirror and know that you’ve done the right thing — not for personal gain or power but because it’s the right thing to do. What does integrity mean to you? ~CL