Celebrating the Dignity of Integrity

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively,” so declared Bob Marley. According to Baltasar Gracian, “A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.” Let’s reflect on the dignity of integrity.

Do you know that integrity carries along amazing dignity? In a world where people are lost in the pursuit of all manners of frivolities and don’t mind utilizing even untoward means to achieve whatever they desire, integrity has become a scarce commodity. The reality about life, however, is that he or she that has integrity has a great possession and commands respect even among those with no integrity. Such might have been why Alan Simpson declared, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” As lovely as integrity is, it may attract envy and attempt to make you compromise your principles. Hence, Chinua Achebe noted, “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” Michelle Obama understood the dignity of integrity and so declared, “We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.” The fact, as Dawn Steel expressed, is that “Dishonesty, lack of integrity catches up with you.”

So, explore ways to uphold your integrity. In a world where reliable persons can hardly be found, be that odd one that stands tall with integrity.  As H. Jackson Brown, Jr. counselled,  “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.” When tempted to compromise your integrity,  remind yourself of W. Clement Stone’s charge: “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” Remember Thomas Monson’s thought: “Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect.” Reject the temptation to exchange your integrity with anything because, as Henry Kravis observed, “If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing.”

As you step out, bear in mind, as R. Buckminster Fuller said, that “Integrity is the essence of everything successful.” Be an apostle of integrity. Don’t forget, as Raja Krishnamoorthi shared, that “When the norm is decency, other virtues can thrive: integrity, honesty, compassion, kindness, and trust.

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Dr. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a COREN-registered chemical engineer, an HSE professional, a public affairs analyst, marriage counsellor, youth mentor and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only).