Identity and integrity are closely related concepts. How do you understand their relationships and distinctions? What does each concept mean to you?
Identity and integrity are concepts that shape one another. Your identity is how you and others view who you are. The way you feel about what your total contribution to this world as a person and what you can offer it is your identity. Your identity is how you define yourself. Integrity is a large part of your identity. Integrity is being honest and consistent in your views and how you act towards other people. An example of integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking and no one will ever know if you did the right thing or not. How you behave in certain situations is a large part of your identity. People often define themselves by their belief system and morals and integrity is a part of your identity. How you treat people and act on a daily basis is going to be one of the main ways that you develop an identity for yourself. These two concepts are always in a state where they reflect upon one another. Your identity is always going to shape how much integrity you have, and your integrity is also going to define you as a person. As one becomes stronger, so does the other. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. If you begin to lose part of your integrity and your devotion to behaving in an honest and honorable way, your identity will also suffer.
Erik,
ReplyDeleteYour words are sound and has validity. Especially when it comes to knowing to do the right thing when no one else is watching. Only God knows that we can do right before His eyes. So true is your statement about how we treat others. The way we treat others is how others will treat us back. The same applies with your students. When you treat them nicely they will do the same. One's self is definitely aligned to identity. Great reflections!
Dr. Lim