Integrity: A Complex Character Trait

By Vincent Terreri
Honesty is prized among men, usually taking the
above, the use of the internet presents many
title of the virtue of integrity. One of the places we
opportunities to violate copyright laws. When
especially value integrity is in public figures,
doing chores at home or in a job, there is the
especially politicians. If you look at many political
temptation to take short cuts and to report that
ads, they frequently tout their candidates
the work is done when it is not done very well.
integrity. Sometimes these ads give support to
Outright lies are not uncommon with some teens,
what actions demonstrate integrity, but most of
especially about homework and projects being
the time they simply emblazon
complete. Almost all children bend
Honesty and integrity
Integrity across the front of the
the truth a little when they want
are
signal
virtues
advertisement.
their parents to agree with their
necessary for living a
side of an argument with a sibling.
On the converse, politicians
good life in society.
And gossip is not far from the
frequently blast their opponent as
These virtues are
mouths of students
having no integrity. This leads us to
essential for us on the
the very important question: What is
Considering the kinds of people
road to perfection, and
the basis for demonstrating
we
have
looked at, above, we
essential to the fabric
integrity? Frequently it means telling
should
notice
that many virtues
of the society we
the truth, being faithful to the planks
and
vices
come
to play in telling
inhabit.
of the party platform, fulfilling the
whether a man has integrity. Lets
promises that were made during the campaign,
review some of the virtues that we have identified
using campaign moneys rightly, making alliances
in the three examples above, the public figure, the
with the right people or groups, etc. In short, the
adult, and the teen (the list is not meant to be
characterization of having integrity means that a
exhaustive):
person acts rightly in a number of facets in their
Virtue
life.
1. Telling the truth (honesty);
In our private lives, we make judgments about
2. Keeping promises; and
the integrity of others based upon their
3. Faithfully discharging responsibilities;
interactions with us and those in our peer or
Vices
social group. Sometimes we meet people who
regularly exaggerate their accomplishments. At
1. Self-aggrandizement;
other times we may have neighbors or friends
2. Lack of respect for the goods of others;
who cant seem to return things they borrow from
3. Not keeping promises;
us going back on their word by their actions. We
4. Bragging;
all know people who have inflated their skills and
5. Stealing;
abilities on their resume when trying to get a job
6. Unfaithful in responsibilities;
or a promotion. With the internet, there are many
7. Disrespect for authority; and
opportunities to violate copyright laws and steal
8. Gossip.
videos, music, and books. Again, we have here a
We see from the above enumeration that there
number of facets of human behavior that, taken
are many aspects to having integrity. Its really
together, present us with a person of integrity.
not a not just a single virtue, but a whole complex
Teens and young adults, likewise, have their
of virtues and character traits. Over the course of
own special set of actions that tell us whether
this semester we will look at integrity and its
they are growing up with integrity or not. For the
principle characteristic, honesty. Week by week,
school child, the temptation to cheat on tests and
we hope to uncover more truths about this
homework can be significant. A lot of pressure is
important character trait and ask Gods blessings
put upon the student to succeed in his or her
on our work to acquire those traits that we lack so
classes. This pressure can push the teen into
that, in the end, we can truly be persons of
positions of compromise. Also, as mentioned
integrity.
2012 Vincent Terreri. Used with permission. Please send a note with any questions or comments: vterreri@gmail.com