Mardy, another stimulating topic and I love your cartoon on integrity. I find integrity to be an elusive subject, similar to what people say about obscenity, you know it when you see it. To add to your fine list of quotations, I like these two. From dog trainer Cesar Milan, “I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.” And Lincoln’s line” “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.” Thanks for the light you shine each week on ideas we can live by.
One of my favorite (and guiding) quotes was an anonymous "filler" at the bottom of a newspaper column (The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 1970): "A man should live so that when he's all alone he's in good company."
Another, of course, was from character Wes Crowley from The Wes Crowley saga: "Upright is not a matter of degree."
Thanks for sharing both quotations, Harvey. I loved that "Upright" quote from the moment I first read it, and immediately created a new UPRIGHT category for my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/u#upright
You said, "This is especially true in the political arena. If you were to pose the question “Do you regard yourself as a person of integrity?” to all U.S. Senators and Members of Congress, I’m pretty sure all 535 of them would say yes. But, clearly, a number of them would be lying—to you as well as to themselves." But, my friend, I've found over the years that many people (who think of themselves as "good" and "moral" have not the slightest idea of what integrity means. For them, the golden rule is not "Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.", but rather, "do unto others as it befits me." IOW - "It's a tough world and I need to survive." When looking for the best political candidate, it's often quite difficult to see where candidates stand in this area. Integrity, honesty and/or morality do not present themselves on one's uniform chest, as do one's honors on military dress. We have only the past behaviors of the candidate on which to make our decision. Some would call this looking for integrity in a candidate a "bullshit decector." But sadly, I don't think that some people even know what the rest of us are looking for. There are people in my own family, whom I love dearly, who alas have what I think of as this "clueless deficiency." Can we label this lack of soulfullness, "moral cluelessness?" As is sometimes said, "They're not even suspicious." I see it as a human failing, and we homo sapiens struggle with it all the time.
I'll reply to your comment, perhaps keeping the political stuff in one spot???
“This is especially true in the political arena. If you were to pose the question “Do you regard yourself as a person of integrity?” to all U.S. Senators and Members of Congress, I’m pretty sure all 535 of them would say yes. But, clearly, a number of them would be lying—to you as well as to themselves.” --- Mardy says “a number” --- I would put that number up close to 99%. On both sides of the aisle. We could do “whataboutism” forever, going back many, many years. Politicians love their power & for some reason that removes their integrity... or, in my mind, I don’t believe many/any people w/ integrity would care to be a politician & ‘mingle’ w/ that class. There can be some arguments against term limits, however, imo, term limits might draw more people into the political ‘arena’ who want to govern, SERVE, instead of just compete, get elected only to begin to campaign the next day for the next election, to keep that position of power.
I liked the use of quotes from Ayn Rand & Warren Buffet 👍
I also just purchased "The Optimist's Daughter". Not only will it probably be a good book for the book club I'm in, but my mom was from Mississippi. And not related to the book, but my dad was a photographer in the Army during WWII, & did professional photography for a few yrs following until he started his own business...
As an amateur furniture maker who has worked with wood all my life, I know the meaning of "integrity" that you mention. I once included a piece of spalted maple in a table I was making, despite my suspicion that it was beyond its point of "integrity." When its "punky" wood started to crumble in places, I kicked myself for not rejecting it to begin with. As is the case with people without integrity, avoid such critically flawed material, not to mention "dangerous and dreadful" (to borrow from Dr Johnson), from the outset.
Too often I've had to stop working on a piece of furniture and start over again after finding a fatal flaw in the wood. What appeared sound on the outside concealed a defect in its core that would have resulted in a finished product that might well fail. Furniture makers are always searching for flaws in the "integrity" of the wood they use. Best to discard it as soon as it's discovered to avoid bigger problems in the future. I've made the same decision about certain people following the November election. As brewers like to say, "Life is too short to drink bad beer."
"Of course," I believe I have had integrity throughout my life (don't we all?), and I base this thought on the fact that I simply do not lie, no matter the position I have found myself in. I remember being outraged when being accused of lying to someone (e.g. Dickerson) and saying, "Who do you think you are? You're not important enough for me to lie to you." I always "fess up" when I'm wrong and feel no shame in admitting it. Basically, I think it has everything to do with what you think about yourself. These days, it would be easy to do "under the table" something, knowing Jack would not remember it, but I would despise myself and never be able to scratch that itch. As always, I love your mind and essays.
Another great message and related quotations this week, Dr. Mardy. I love the topic of Integrity ... absolutely. The quotes from Warren Buffet, G.K. Chesterton, Tom Peters and Alan Simpson pierce right to the soul. Thank you! I will be using these quotes in the upcoming days in my Facebook postings!
Given our politics lately, this is a compilation of what integrity means and probably will not reach those with whom it should be shared. Thanks for providing the this today, especially after the April 5 protests. It should be widely shared to citizens who vote as well as the politicians who want our vote.
The voters often don’t care, the protesters often don’t care...
posting as one who has voted independent often in recent years, I had hoped Harris would have won so the Dems would have had to be responsible for the continued decline. Now they have another chance in 2 yrs. Nothing Trump is doing is going thru congress so no laws have been made. Everything can be undone & Dems can once again take responsibility for the dumpster. Hopefully 2028 republicans can get things together & get a sane nominee
I might share with you a conversation I had because of this deleted text with a conspiracy believer —- I told him he’s doing his ‘side’ no favors by encouraging such beliefs. If it’s true fine, publish it showing facts but every time anything can be declared “conspiracy” it ends up in the garbage & weakens anything said afterwards
There might be some truths but don’t exaggerate - stick to what is known
BTW - I will assume you will take off next week for Passover - Happy Passover to you! And I will be making cards for my cousins & neighbors tomorrow to mail ❤️
Thanks for the kind thought, dj, but I will be open for business as usual. How nice to hear that you are making homemade cards; that is becoming a lost art.
An interesting concept to me is when governments create policy to enforce integrity. It foments resentment that turns to resistance that then provides a platform to the opposition.
There is no better test of a man's ultimate chivalry and integrity than how he behaves when he is wrong. — G. K. Chesterton
A particularly poignant quote right now, Mardy. I have found learning to accept it graciously when I'm wrong, a challenge. My wife has been a major teacher!
Really appreciate this deep discussion about integrity. So very important these days. I have a really hard time figuring out how people live with themselves when they are so dishonest. I sort of understand when they want to believe things are a certain way. But when they say one thing one day with such positivity and then change the next.
Thanks Barbara, I've had that same thought many, many times over the years. I believe a lot of it has to do with not having a conscience or a moral code.
Mardy, another stimulating topic and I love your cartoon on integrity. I find integrity to be an elusive subject, similar to what people say about obscenity, you know it when you see it. To add to your fine list of quotations, I like these two. From dog trainer Cesar Milan, “I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.” And Lincoln’s line” “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.” Thanks for the light you shine each week on ideas we can live by.
Thanks, Michael, I appreciate your heartwarming words. I also loved those two quotes, and, once I source them, I will add them to my DMDMQ.
Lovely essay and collection today, Mardy. I hope you are well and continuing on the path of recovery! All the best, John.
Thanks, John. Always nice to hear from you. Getting stronger every day, thank you!
One of my favorite (and guiding) quotes was an anonymous "filler" at the bottom of a newspaper column (The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 1970): "A man should live so that when he's all alone he's in good company."
Another, of course, was from character Wes Crowley from The Wes Crowley saga: "Upright is not a matter of degree."
Thanks for sharing both quotations, Harvey. I loved that "Upright" quote from the moment I first read it, and immediately created a new UPRIGHT category for my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/u#upright
Thanks, Mardy.
You said, "This is especially true in the political arena. If you were to pose the question “Do you regard yourself as a person of integrity?” to all U.S. Senators and Members of Congress, I’m pretty sure all 535 of them would say yes. But, clearly, a number of them would be lying—to you as well as to themselves." But, my friend, I've found over the years that many people (who think of themselves as "good" and "moral" have not the slightest idea of what integrity means. For them, the golden rule is not "Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.", but rather, "do unto others as it befits me." IOW - "It's a tough world and I need to survive." When looking for the best political candidate, it's often quite difficult to see where candidates stand in this area. Integrity, honesty and/or morality do not present themselves on one's uniform chest, as do one's honors on military dress. We have only the past behaviors of the candidate on which to make our decision. Some would call this looking for integrity in a candidate a "bullshit decector." But sadly, I don't think that some people even know what the rest of us are looking for. There are people in my own family, whom I love dearly, who alas have what I think of as this "clueless deficiency." Can we label this lack of soulfullness, "moral cluelessness?" As is sometimes said, "They're not even suspicious." I see it as a human failing, and we homo sapiens struggle with it all the time.
I'll reply to your comment, perhaps keeping the political stuff in one spot???
“This is especially true in the political arena. If you were to pose the question “Do you regard yourself as a person of integrity?” to all U.S. Senators and Members of Congress, I’m pretty sure all 535 of them would say yes. But, clearly, a number of them would be lying—to you as well as to themselves.” --- Mardy says “a number” --- I would put that number up close to 99%. On both sides of the aisle. We could do “whataboutism” forever, going back many, many years. Politicians love their power & for some reason that removes their integrity... or, in my mind, I don’t believe many/any people w/ integrity would care to be a politician & ‘mingle’ w/ that class. There can be some arguments against term limits, however, imo, term limits might draw more people into the political ‘arena’ who want to govern, SERVE, instead of just compete, get elected only to begin to campaign the next day for the next election, to keep that position of power.
And thanks for sharing your thoughts as well, dj.
Thanks for weighing in on the subject, Mike. Most interesting.
I liked the use of quotes from Ayn Rand & Warren Buffet 👍
I also just purchased "The Optimist's Daughter". Not only will it probably be a good book for the book club I'm in, but my mom was from Mississippi. And not related to the book, but my dad was a photographer in the Army during WWII, & did professional photography for a few yrs following until he started his own business...
I think you will enjoy the book, dj. Also, that was most interesting about your father.
As an amateur furniture maker who has worked with wood all my life, I know the meaning of "integrity" that you mention. I once included a piece of spalted maple in a table I was making, despite my suspicion that it was beyond its point of "integrity." When its "punky" wood started to crumble in places, I kicked myself for not rejecting it to begin with. As is the case with people without integrity, avoid such critically flawed material, not to mention "dangerous and dreadful" (to borrow from Dr Johnson), from the outset.
Thanks, David, you've helped me extend to meaning of integrity to the very materials we use. I won't forget that.
Too often I've had to stop working on a piece of furniture and start over again after finding a fatal flaw in the wood. What appeared sound on the outside concealed a defect in its core that would have resulted in a finished product that might well fail. Furniture makers are always searching for flaws in the "integrity" of the wood they use. Best to discard it as soon as it's discovered to avoid bigger problems in the future. I've made the same decision about certain people following the November election. As brewers like to say, "Life is too short to drink bad beer."
"Of course," I believe I have had integrity throughout my life (don't we all?), and I base this thought on the fact that I simply do not lie, no matter the position I have found myself in. I remember being outraged when being accused of lying to someone (e.g. Dickerson) and saying, "Who do you think you are? You're not important enough for me to lie to you." I always "fess up" when I'm wrong and feel no shame in admitting it. Basically, I think it has everything to do with what you think about yourself. These days, it would be easy to do "under the table" something, knowing Jack would not remember it, but I would despise myself and never be able to scratch that itch. As always, I love your mind and essays.
Thanks for your kind words, Pat. If most people had one-third of your integrity, we'd be in a much better place.
Another great message and related quotations this week, Dr. Mardy. I love the topic of Integrity ... absolutely. The quotes from Warren Buffet, G.K. Chesterton, Tom Peters and Alan Simpson pierce right to the soul. Thank you! I will be using these quotes in the upcoming days in my Facebook postings!
Thanks, Roger, I look forward to seeing some of your FB postings.
I believe that the word intetgrity is related to integer. Let's say the person who has
integrity is at 0ne with him/her self.
Integer also means "whole" - so a person who lacks integrity is not whole, i.e., is lacking something, or in this respect, some character of value.
Yes, and since integer means "a whole number; not a fraction" we can say that someone who lacks integrity is a fraction of a person.
I love it! You do have a way with words, my friend.
Mardy: I forgot this one: You can't have integrity without grit.
I like. Is it your creation?
Given our politics lately, this is a compilation of what integrity means and probably will not reach those with whom it should be shared. Thanks for providing the this today, especially after the April 5 protests. It should be widely shared to citizens who vote as well as the politicians who want our vote.
This is a heads-up. I am going to remove this post shortly, as there is absolutely no evidence to support what you are saying in your first paragraph.
😏 can I repost a bit of it?
The voters often don’t care, the protesters often don’t care...
posting as one who has voted independent often in recent years, I had hoped Harris would have won so the Dems would have had to be responsible for the continued decline. Now they have another chance in 2 yrs. Nothing Trump is doing is going thru congress so no laws have been made. Everything can be undone & Dems can once again take responsibility for the dumpster. Hopefully 2028 republicans can get things together & get a sane nominee
Much better; although I still disagree.
I might share with you a conversation I had because of this deleted text with a conspiracy believer —- I told him he’s doing his ‘side’ no favors by encouraging such beliefs. If it’s true fine, publish it showing facts but every time anything can be declared “conspiracy” it ends up in the garbage & weakens anything said afterwards
There might be some truths but don’t exaggerate - stick to what is known
Thanks, dj. A very good rule of thumb!
Thanks, Susan. I must confess I had the April 5th protests in the back of my mind as I prepared the post.
BTW - I will assume you will take off next week for Passover - Happy Passover to you! And I will be making cards for my cousins & neighbors tomorrow to mail ❤️
Thanks for the kind thought, dj, but I will be open for business as usual. How nice to hear that you are making homemade cards; that is becoming a lost art.
Thank you Mardy! So much to digest.
I love the Warren Buffet quote! So brilliant!
An interesting concept to me is when governments create policy to enforce integrity. It foments resentment that turns to resistance that then provides a platform to the opposition.
Hey - Is that a new picture of you?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Manisha. It's always nice to hear from you. That is not a new pic; I've used it a number of times before.
There is no better test of a man's ultimate chivalry and integrity than how he behaves when he is wrong. — G. K. Chesterton
A particularly poignant quote right now, Mardy. I have found learning to accept it graciously when I'm wrong, a challenge. My wife has been a major teacher!
I agree, Blayney, on all your points--and especially the last one!
Excellent essay on integrity. Mardy, your quote was one of the best and has been filed in my quote file…….a little smaller than your’s!
Thanks for the kind words, Phil; I also enjoyed your abridgment!
Really appreciate this deep discussion about integrity. So very important these days. I have a really hard time figuring out how people live with themselves when they are so dishonest. I sort of understand when they want to believe things are a certain way. But when they say one thing one day with such positivity and then change the next.
Thanks Barbara, I've had that same thought many, many times over the years. I believe a lot of it has to do with not having a conscience or a moral code.