Integrity: The cornerstone of Character
So what is Integrity?
Well for starters, a gentleman cannot be without it! Integrity, the unwavering adherence to moral principles, is the foundation upon which a person's character is built. It is the embodiment of honesty, authenticity, and consistency, shaping one's actions and decisions, both big and small. A true gentleman has the integrity of solid granite…morals and principles that will not crumble on a whim. I believe integrity is an essential compass to steer a gentleman true throughout his life.
As a simile, exhibiting the ‘strength’ of integrity, structural integrity, a term often used in engineering, refers to the ability of a structure to withstand forces and maintain its form. Certainly as a building's integrity ensures its stability, personal integrity ensures the stability of an individual's character. It is the glue that holds one's values and principles together, providing a sense of inner strength and resilience. Character is a gentleman’s fingerprint, his signature, and helps identify him to others, so exhibiting integrity in character will hold one in high esteem with others. In our current world I see too much the anxiety and uncertainty of young men because they’re fed so much conflicting opinions and information, told that they don’t have to deal with things, and are allowed to shrink into the corner. Life is hard, and hard decisions have to be made, but with them come stoicism, strength, conviction to one’s beliefs….and integrity in upholding them…anxiety has no chance against this granite foundation!
So upholding integrity is not always easy, but then nothing worth having in life is easy right?…now in a world of excuses, temptations, conflicting information, and people literally getting away with some terrible crap it requires courage to stand by one's convictions….particularly when faced with opposing pressures or temptations. At its core it means being brutally honest with oneself, (if you lie to yourself, you build an exterior of lies that integrity cannot grow in) admitting one's mistakes, and taking responsibility for one's actions. Integrity is not about perfection; it is about striving to do the right thing, even when, and particularly when things may be tough.
Men who possess integrity are usually held in high regard and trusted by others. They are seen as reliable, dependable, and true to their word. Their actions align with their values, inspiring confidence and fostering genuine connections. People are generally pretty good at sniffing out lack in integrity…talking the talk, but not walking the walk is pretty soon picked up by most.
And be aware! There’s one little enemy, one little devil on the shoulder plotting agai Integrity….The ego mind! This is the part of our consciousness that identifies with our thoughts, emotions, and desires, and can be a significant obstacle to maintaining integrity. It often seeks to protect itself, even if it means compromising one's principles. The ego can lead to dishonesty, self-deception, and a reluctance to admit mistakes. This little ego guy can quickly revert to a blame game if things aren’t going his way…and a spiral of lies and finger pointing can quickly become a transparent shit show, destroying one’s integrity quicker than ‘boo!’
How to manage the ego mind's influence and uphold integrity? It is essential to cultivate self-awareness. By observing one's thoughts and actions, one can identify instances where the ego is seeking to take control. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help in cultivating an ever present self-awareness.
When the ego's influence is recognized, it is crucial to counter it with a conscious effort to align with one's true values. This may involve admitting mistakes, making amends, or simply making a conscious decision to act according to one's principles, even when it is difficult….but the liberation from ego gives such a grounding, calming sense it’s so worth it!
Integrity is not a destination; it is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and moral growth. It requires constant vigilance, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront one's shortcomings. Sometimes it can even be a lonely road, when those around you don’t share your strength…but the right people will gather in time. So the rewards of living a life of integrity are immense. It leads to a sense of inner peace, self-respect, and genuine connections with others. Integrity is the cornerstone of a well-lived life.
”Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything” Alexander Hamilton