Rachel Tran

1/14/14
English
2B
Integrity
Integrity is valued in others and is looked for consistently in their leaders. It is composed
of different parts and is a value, as well as the foundation of a character. People of integrity are
true to themselves and are honest, upright, and decent when dealing with others. They are honest
to themselves and others, and they have a set of moral principles that they stand by. Their actions
align with their principles and it becomes the basis for both reputation and self respect.
Integrity comprises ones good reputation and derives from honesty and consistent uprightness of
character.
The single most important quality someone can ever develop, that will enhance every part
of their life and others lives, is the value of integrity. When we have integrity, we gain the trust
of people and become role models. People of integrity are well-respected members in society
who help to raise its overall standard. They have the ability to get along well with others and
their generous contributions positively affect others lives, thereby lifting up the morale of the
entire society. When I am meeting new people, I tend to look for people who are honest in every
part of their life, including themselves. I look up to and respect my friend Abes because she lives
up to her commitments and relates her action to what she believes is right. Our relationship is
like Ralph and Piggy's relationship in The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. Ralph is a man
of integrity and is respected by Piggy because of his actions. Every order he gives relates to
rescue and to decent living, like keeping guard of the fire, using the rocks as a bathroom because
the tide washes the waste away, and building shelters to protect themselves. Piggy respects him
because he makes smart decisions by deciding what is right and wrong.
Individuals of integrity burden themselves about accomplishing a goal appropriately,
rather than what they can personally benefit from it. This demonstrates that he or she is a
Rachel Tran
1/14/14
English
2B
trustworthy and responsible person who is able to pull through situations and help others along
the way. An integral person can make mistakes as well. However, they accept responsibility for
their own errors and do what is in their power to make things right. In the short story, The
Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst, there are many examples of these traits of integrity and non-
integrity as well. The narrators younger brother, Doodle, was born sickly, but the narrator
wanted a brother who could run and play. Doodle is a strong, persevering character who did not
relinquish his goal in order to satisfy his family. Doodle showed signs of strain, but accepted his
true nature and proceeded to learn how to run, climb vines, swim, and even fight which
exemplifies an integral person. On the other hand, the narrator, Doodles older brother,
demonstrates non-integrity because he teaches Doodle to run and walk merely because of
embarrassment. The narrator also treated Doodle cruelly throughout Doodles life and even tried
to kill Doodle when he was a child. The narrator is not a person of integrity because he does not
adhere to a set of moral principles.
Integrity is not a natural quality that one can be born with. A person has to earn their
integrity through their social interactions and problems. It can be easy to prove to others that a
person is integral through his or her actions, but once a person has shown one action of non-
integrity, it is difficult to earn back a good reputation. In the short story, Kabuliwallah by
Rabindranath Tagore, Abdur Rehman Khan, a poor fruit seller, shows traits of integrity because
he offered Mini presents, without a request of repayment. One day, he went to jail for the murder
of a customer which slightly changes the readers viewpoints on Abdur. At this point, the reader
has mixed feelings for the fruit seller because that single act of non-integrity influenced his
reputation. When a person of integrity makes one small mistake or messes up, it is noticed and it
is almost as if they are seen in a terrible way because of their faults.
Rachel Tran
1/14/14
English
2B
Lying, cheating, exaggerating, or acting disrespectful tends to destroy the quality of
integrity or wholeness, so people who wish to live in integrity avoid them. Having said this, a
person of integrity may not always be fully honest if it does not serve the higher purpose of a life
in integrity. Sam and Eric, the two twin brothers from the story The Lord of the Flies, lied to
Jack in order to save Ralph during the heart-pounding chase in the forest. There was no need to
tell the truth in this case because they were saving a life. Integrity is generally about honesty, but
it is not necessary to tell the truth in some situations.
Overall, integrity is the one of the most important traits a person can possess. People of
integrity gain the trust of their leaders, colleagues, and everyone around them. Because they hold
themselves accountable for our actions, they become role models whether they like it or not.
Integrity is what determines ones reputation, but making one simple mistake may destroy a
reputation easily.