Integrity As Legacy
Integrity: the center of personal character, doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons Integrity is our only real possession. Only we know, for sure, if we really possess it. It costs nothing save the constant effort to secure it. It is little noticed except by the scorn of skeptics. Not made of atoms or molecules it defies science yet it is our eternal legacy. Sought by paupers and kings it tarnishes easily and can be easily lost forever. Whereas it fits every soul that tries it on, its conditions are specific and absolute. Neither learned nor taught, integrity defines the center of our being as either fact or a vacancy. While wisdom entails knowing the right thing to do, integrity is doing it at the right time and for the right reasons. Since it can neither be copied nor commanded it eludes thieves and tyrants. It’s most remarkable aspect is its legacy to give a life meaning for successive generations. A conversation with a former student and now f