Integrity is a Positive Social Character Trait
About 2 min read
A positive character trait is to have integrity in what you do. Integrity is regarded as being honest and truthful in your actions. It is also being true to yourself.
Integrity is the opposite of hypocrisy, where you may claim to have certain values but then deceive others in your actions.
The power or value of having integrity is that people will trust you and care to deal with you.
Questions you may have include:
- What is integrity?
- What is hypocrisy?
- What are the benefits of integrity?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Integrity
Having integrity means that you are consistent and honest in following your values, beliefs, and principles. In essence, it is practicing what you preach.
Integrity means you steadfastly adhere to high moral principles or professional standards. It is having high principles and keeping those standards consistent throughout all the different parts of your life.
Integrity means you are true to yourself, your values, beliefs, and standard.
If you do and have what is important to you, then you are strong and courageous and therefore hold your own in any and all circumstances.
Hypocrisy
A hypocrite is person who claims to have certain values, virtues, or moral beliefs but yet does things that are contrary to those values. It involves the deception of others and is considered a negative social character trait. Hypocrisy is the opposite of having integrity.
Pentecostal minister and televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart preached the importance of family values and following the Bible. But then in 1988 and again in 1991, he was implicated in a scandals involving prostitutes. He admitted the error of his ways and asked for forgiveness, but he was still branded as a hypocrite.
Is it possible to make a mistake?
Laurie was considered a person with complete integrity and was thus voted in as the condo association president. However, Laurie made purchases for personal use and made changes in the bylaws to her advantage. When they found this out, the association labeled her a hypocrite.
Hypocrisy is a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
Benefits of integrity
People trust those with integrity. Trust is important in dealing with others, including business and employment issues.
But also, when you have integrity, you care true to yourself and your beliefs. You are not affected by others who may want to drag you down to their level.
Summary
Having integrity is a positive character trait, where you are regarded as being honest and truthful in your actions. It is the opposite of hypocrisy, where you may claim to have certain values but then deceive other in your actions.
People trust those with integrity and care to deal with them.
Integrity pays off
Resources and references
Websites
Integrity – Wikipedia
The True Meaning of Integrity – Huffington Post (Aug 2016)
The Real Problem With Hypocrisy – NY Times (Jan 2017)
Hypocrisy – Wikipedia