Integrity is integral

By Bill Fox/Columnist

As you may be aware, I have been writing about the 12 spiritual principles, which are a part of all major world religions, and today we will look at the fifth principle of integrity. Here are two definitions:

– The quality of always behaving according to the moral principles that you believe in, so that people respect and trust you.

– The quality of being complete or whole, without any missing parts.

I cannot help but look at what was once the greatest nation in the world and our best neighbours. Like some of you, I get upset at the lack of integrity in their current commander-in-chief. Sadly, in my view, many Americans lack integrity when they vote. It seems to me that many Americans vote strictly according to their political affiliation. Being a member of either the Republicans or the Democrats dictates who they will vote for.

Luckily, in Canada, most of us are not allied to one political party for life. In my own case, I was a card-carrying member of one political party for a few years. However, I have voted for all the major party candidates at one time or another. I would call this having an open mind. Sadly, that may not be the case in the U.S., and is not the case for some Canadians as well.

The Americans that I personally know, both friends and relatives, have great integrity. So I trust the U.S. will once again rise to prominence in the eyes of all nations.

Hopefully, to clear up any confusion, I have researched some notable figures and their take on integrity.

Spencer Johnson – “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”

Unknown – “A person is not given integrity. It results from the relentless pursuit of honesty at all times.”

Bob Marley – “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.”

Michelle Obama – “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.”

Warren Buffett – “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy – and if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”

Jackson Brown, Jr. – “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.”

Confucius – “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

Napoleon Hill – “When you are able to maintain your own highest standards of integrity – regardless of what others may do – you are destined for greatness.”

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

Denis Waitley – “A life lived with integrity – even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune – is a shining star in whose light others may follow in the years to come.”

Samuel Johnson – “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”

Zig Ziglar – “It is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without integrity you will never be one.”

Katrina Mayer – “Integrity is making sure that the things you say and the things you do are in alignment.”

Clement Stone – “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.”

Mark Twain – “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

Albert Einstein – “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters