Integrity Is Foundation Of Character.

Integrity, as defined by the dictionary, is “the quality of being honest or having strong moral principles.” People with integrity are generally known to be trustworthy, honest, and kind.

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters” ― Albert Einstein

Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions.

I read one beautiful story in my childhood and it leaves deep impact about "Integrity" on my mind. This story is about business deal between merchant and camel seller.

Once upon a time, A merchant came to market to purchase a camel. He started negotiations to purchase it with camel seller.

The merchant and the camel seller, both skilled negotiators, struck a hard bargain.

The camel seller pleased with his skill of worming out what he felt was a very good price, parted with his camel and the merchant chuffed that he had struck a fantastic bargain, proudly walked home with the latest addition to his large livestock.

On arriving home, the merchant called to his servant to come and help him take out the camel's saddle. The unwieldy & heavily padded saddle was too difficult for him to manage alone.

The servant did manage to remove it on his own.

Hidden under the saddle, the servant found a small velvet pouch which on opening he discovered to be filled with precious jewels!!

The servant was over excited!!! "Master you bought a camel but see what came FREE along with it!!!"

The merchant was astonished as he looked at the jewels in his servants' palm. They were of extraordinary quality sparkling and twinkling in the sunlight. 

"I bought the camel" he said, "not the jewels. I must return them to the camel seller immediately." The servant was aghast.

His master was foolish. "Master no one will know."

But the merchant headed right back to the market and handed over the velvet pouch back to the camel seller.

The camel seller was very happy, "I had forgotten that I hid these jewels in the saddle for safe keeping."

"Here, choose one of the jewels for yourself, as a reward."

The merchant said, "I paid a fair price for the camel and the camel only, so NO thank you, I do not need any reward."

But as much as the merchant refused, the camel seller insisted.

Finally, the merchant said, sheepishly smiling, "Actually when I decided to bring the pouch back to you, I already took two of the most precious jewels and kept them for myself."

At this confession the camel seller was a bit flabbergasted and quickly emptied the pouch to count the jewels. However, he was very confused.

"All my jewels are here. What jewels did you keep?

"The two most precious" said the Merchant.

"MY INTEGRITY & MY SELF-RESPECT."

 Roger Jenkins explained it as "The ability to do the right thing or choosing to do the right thing when you could get away with doing the wrong thing.”

Integrity is a value, like persistence, courage, and intelligence. It is your choice of values and resolution to live by those values that form your character and personality. it is integrity that enhances all your other values.

Integrity is the foundation of character. One of the best ways to develop your character is by consistently doing the same things that a thoroughly honest person would do in every area of his or her life. But To be totally honest with others, you first must be totally honest with yourself.

You can demonstrate Integrity in anywhere in your life. Integrity is the foundation on which co-workers build relationships, trust, and effective interpersonal relationships.

The single most important quality you can ever develop that will enhance every part of your life, is the value of integrity. Integrity is the core quality of a successful and happy life. Having integrity means being totally honest and truthful in every part of your life.

I would like to end it with the following Great Leader Abraham Lincoln ‘s quote: -

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”