Where Does Integrity Come From?    by Carl Jenks

Where Does Integrity Come From?

A perusal of internet articles on business or career will yield many good points on what integrity looks like or does, but I have yet to find one that answers the question “Where does integrity come from?” If it is an important principle and behavior for me to cultivate to promote my career, which it certainly is, I think it would be important to know where the idea comes from.

Integrity it turns out is a very old idea. Our word comes from the Middle English, but the word and concept dates back all the way to Rome. [And long before I’m sure] Integrity comes from the Latin, “Integritas” and “Integer” Integer is still used today, and is therefore a good place to begin.

Webster’s New World Dictionary informs us that integer in Latin means: “untouched, whole, entire” In modern English it means:
“1. Anything complete in itself; entity; whole
2. A whole number – distinguished from a fraction”

From integer we glean two important ideas – the concepts of wholeness and singularity. In math, a whole number is sometimes referred to as an integer. This distinguishes it from fractional numbers. Fractions are numbers that have been divided. If we are going to walk in integrity we must remain whole and singular in our dedication to the principles that we embrace. Professionals conducting themselves in this way can be counted on to be undivided in their commitments, decisions, and actions. A business can thrive with these men and women. Integrity and situational fidelity are incompatible for a career path known for integrity.

Another word that comes down to us from the Latin “integer” is integral. Integral comes from the same root as integer and integrity. It means: “Necessary for completeness; essential, not fractional” Building on the idea of wholeness, integral adds the understanding of how necessary it is for that wholeness to be made complete. Integrity is a solid building block for every enterprise of humanity. Integrity in a structure means that it is solid, well built and dependable. A bridge that has integrity will support the traffic that travels across it. A manager who walks in integrity can be depended upon to get the job done. His role and integrity are integral to the success of the company.

Finally we come to the word integrity itself. Turning once more to Webster’s New World Dictionary we have the following definitions:
“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; sincerity”

Right away we see the similarities with integer and integral. Integrity is all about wholeness, singularity, completeness, soundness. What we learn in addition is that integrity can have these qualities because it’s rooted in a “state of being of sound moral principle” Integrity is not built on shifting sand. Integrity is securely anchored to a base of sound moral principle. This base is characterized by “uprightness, honesty, and sincerity”.

Making integrity a hallmark of your career or business begins with knowing what you believe, why you believe it and drawing a line in the dirt that says, “I will not cross this line. I will stay true to these principles.” The firmer and clearer they are the easier it will be to walk them out.

Integrity is a career decision reflected in honesty, wholeness, sincerity, and steadfastness in the face of the winds of subtle character erosion. Many persons have set out to be people of integrity, but along the way have lost sight of its origin. Now that you have seen where it comes from may you be better equipped to lead the way.