Chapter 1
The Relationship Between Character and Integrity
When we talk about character, several possible meanings come to mind. But what really defines character? Let’s look to the written definition of the word. The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides the following definitions:
- Character: Moral excellence and firmness (a person of sound character).
- Moral: Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior; ethical.
- Integrity: Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility.
Integrity and character, therefore, are inseparable. More importantly, character is about making right — rather than wrong — choices and understanding what makes them so. To teach a firm adherence to right behavior, we require some standard by which to judge right from wrong. This standard should respect all religious, cultural, and racial backgrounds.
Therefore, we will look to a secular institution, the justice system, to develop a standard of right and wrong behavior. While the justice system doesn’t teach right from wrong, it does judge whether someone’s action or behavior is right or wrong based on standards called laws. Working backwards from the intent of these laws, we can develop a basis for right behavior.
In America, laws are developed by the people for one purpose: to maintain order in society. Our laws are written to promote or reward action performed in the best interest of all concerned — that is, society — and to punish selfish behavior. The system is designed this way for a reason. Without overall social order, we all perish. The individual simply cannot survive and flourish if society is chaotic. We may be individuals, but we are part of a larger group, society, which moves and changes based on the collective movement of those within. In other words, society acts as a living, breathing organism of which we are but one part. Each of us not only depends totally on society but also reaps indirectly the effect of others’ actions as well as our own through it.
This relationship is just as real as any law of physics, and the relationship exists whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. We are all responsible and held accountable for society’s current condition by our individual actions. Therefore, our highest priority as individuals is to keep society healthy by always choosing to do what is in the best interest of the whole, rather than for just us alone. As a result, we ensure our own success and survival as well as that of those around us.
In the end, what makes a choice moral is whether it’s the best choice for all involved, including society as a whole, and treats everyone, even the individual, in a fair and ethical manner. From our definitions at the outset, character is moral excellence and integrity a firm adherence to a code of moral values. Therefore, good character or integrity is the exercise of action which is not selfishly motivated. Always act in the best interest of all rather than yourself; treat everyone fairly and ethically, and you will be of sound character.
Good character has nothing to do with always being nice, well-liked, or cooperative. In fact, acting with good character may cause a person to be unpopular. But once we understand that our actions must be aligned to the welfare of all, we are obligated to intervene or come forward when something is wrong, even if it means disagreeing with friends, coworkers, or our boss.
Contrary to the current “team player” culture, it is not in anyone’s best interest for everyone to always agree. Corrupt environments result when there is too much agreement and not enough disagreement. Society needs both disagreement and agreement on the individual level to remain healthy.
A successful team does not result from its individual members focusing only on what is popular or agreeing with the majority view. It results from critical analysis. A successful team is made up of individuals who examine everything they do, constantly breaking down each action and passing it through the quality filter of critical dissent. Individual members must be able to freely and confidently present alternative, unpopular views. Only then can the team grow and improve to be the best it can be, ensuring its continual success.
It is the balance of assent and dissent which is important, and balance can almost always be achieved by focusing on what is best for all involved, not just ourselves or those close to us. By teaching children integrity, we are teaching them proper balance in life from the outset, and as a result, all areas of their life will benefit.
