Virtue: Integrity
The Dedicant Handbook defines integrity as follows: “Honor; being trustworthy to oneself and to others, involving oath-keeping, honesty, fairness, respect, self-confidence.” Collins English Dictionary has a longer set of definitions that seem relevant: “
1. the quality or state of being complete; unbroken condition; wholeness; entirety
2. the quality or state of being unimpaired; perfect condition; soundness
3. the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity”
The definitions describe two similar concepts but they complement each other very well. One focuses on one’s character and the other on structural reliability and wholeness.
Exercise 1: Who and What Has Integrity? Finding people who embody integrity isn’t always easy because sometimes people can display integrity but not live the virtue in their daily lives. It is relatively easy to identify those who lack integrity. However, some people come to mind as those with integrity. I studied Abraham Lincoln in one of my professional military courses and he was known as a person with solid integrity, always keeping his word. His sincerity and honesty elevated his integrity to a new level. The fictional character Jean-Luc Picard displayed exceptional integrity through his belief and execution of the prime directive.
Exercise 2: Examining Definitions: I really like the ADF Dedicant Handbook’s definition of integrity. It covers the prime aspects of those with integrity and frames it as a high virtue. Oath-keeping (promise-keeping) is a trait of those with solid integrity. The Collins Dictionary adds two traits that I think belong in the ADF definition: sincerity and wholeness. These round out the virtuous person with integrity. It is a trait that you cultivate and live, not something that you are born with or “just have.”
Exercise 3: Seeking the Mythology and History: One significant stand-out in Integrity is the Roman Goddess Fides. She was the epitome of the highest Roman ideals and oversaw the moral integrity of the Roman citizens. In addition, the principle of integrity was paramount among Viking clans because the Norse expected trust, honor, and support from others in their group. This integrity was displayed daily and resulted in a strong warrior bond among clan mates.
Exercise 4: The Virtue and the Self: There are many moments in my life where I displayed integrity and times when I did not. I took an oath to enlist in the USAF when I was 18 and even though times got tough, I chose to fulfill that oath and continue through my training and enlistment (eventually making it a career). The breakup of my first marriage was a lesson in lacking integrity because I struggled with honesty and communication during that time. Looking back, I realized I should have taken “the higher road” and maintained integrity through the process.
Exercise 5: Your Understanding of the Virtue: I do not think it is productive to rank which virtues are more important. Nevertheless, when I think of virtues, integrity is usually the first to come to mind. Integrity is the embodiment of virtuous behavior that encompasses honesty, honor, respect, and trustworthiness. In fact, integrity is vital in the warrior culture that Dumezil describes because great faith and trust was placed in the hands of those in the warrior profession. Displaying integrity increases the trust your community places in you.
Works Cited
https://www.adf.org/members/training/dp/dp-manual-web/index.html
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/integrity