Thoughts on Integrity under the Libra Moon

‘Justice’ (1779) Sir Joshua Reynolds

I have been thinking about integrity a lot in the last few weeks. My own and others.

What constitute integrity?

To what extent are you willing to suffer to stick to your own code of conduct?

How long does it take you before you break under the pressure and act on something you know might be wrong?
Or
Can you even differentiate between the right way to act and the wrong way?

How do you usually treat others?

Are you a survival of the fittest type?
Or
Are you a philanthropist type?

What are you limits when it comes to letting other people step all over you?

 

Integrity from the online Webster dictionary: Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility.

Here is the beginning of my reflection on the subject. Especially in regards to creative integrity.

Some people have integrity and some people don’t. Some people will step all over you
to push themselves forward. Let them because imitation is the highest form of flattery
and honour built on the sweat of others will only lead to self disappointment.

Experience and character is what shapes an individual unique perspective.
Riding a wave of glory build on imitation might get you somewhere but ultimately there is no substance behind stolen ideas. Integrity is knowing the difference between an immature need for recognition (or desperation) and work that comes from mature reflection (and most of the time some form of personal hardship).

In a rush to get to the top, you can make many enemies if you build a ladder with stolen materials.

-Integrity is learning to acknowledge others in your own creative process
-Integrity is living by the principles that you preach
-Integrity is knowing when you reptilian brain has taken over and stepping back for a moment.
-Integrity is an ethical principle, not biological.

“Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no persuasion move thee, to do anything which thou knowest to be evil; so shalt thou always live jollity; for a good conscience is a continual Christmas.”

— Benjamin Franklin