A person who has the potentialities of integrity and honesty shows himself in an authentic and coherent way for what he is, and does so with conscience and a sense of responsibility towards his choices. When we talk about integrity and honesty, we are talking about a strength of character that is embodied in always being true to ourselves. Who is upright and honest, keeps his principles firm, expresses emotions and has the value of his own thoughts and actions.
Even when they are unpopular, he is not held back by fear of not being liked or socially approved; In addition, they avoid cheating also out of respect for the other; speak and behave honestly and consistently. But how do the two terms differ? In this Psychology-Online article we will deepen the subject, to understand precisely the difference between honesty and integrity.
Index
- What is honesty and its meaning
- What is integrity and how is a person of integrity defined?
- What is the difference between honesty and integrity
What is honesty and its meaning.
The word "honesty" derives from the Latin noun honest with which it was indicated, and is still indicated, a loyal way of acting, inspired by shared values, although not always practiced, thus avoiding reprehensible actions towards others.
How is an honest person
Who behaves with loyalty, rectitude and sincerity, according to moral principles considered universally valid. On the other hand, when it refers to something inanimate or abstract, honesty is being in accordance with the moral principles of honor and rectitude; in other words, honesty is the characteristic of what is not morally objectionable.
Honest is the person who not only affirms the truth, but also live genuinely and authentically with yourself, in the first place and consequently, also with the others. Honesty, however, is not such an easy behavioral quality to find in people, even if they do good to themselves in the first place.
A research from the University of California has shown that, when faced with a fair proposal, our brain triggers the same reaction that we have when faced with a plate of our favorite food, or when we see a pretty face, or in the same way as a windfall of money.
What is integrity and how is a person of integrity defined?
The word integrity derives from the noun integritas which, as can be easily guessed, indicates being whole, whole, not corrupt. This is an ethical requirement of philosophical humanism for the max deal between one's own ideals and values and their application in real life.
In psychology, the neo-Freudian Erik Erikson uses the term "integrity" to describe the last phase of his psychosocial model: the maturity phase and of late adulthood is described as "integrity versus despair and disgust":
A so-called evolutionary task of man is necessary in his most advanced life, to relate to the inevitability of death; only an authentic life, based on integrity, that corresponds to our values, that allows us to look towards back to our biography without bitterness, you can then "take the sting out of death" and fight for the true wisdom.
How is a person of integrity?
Who lives and acts with the knowledge that his beliefs, norms and values are expressed in his behavior; personal integrity has been characterized as self-loyalty, but the person of integrity also respects the integrity and dignity of others and strives not to violate them.
However, the term "integrity" is complex and multilayered: on the one hand, integrity is something that a person it's responsible and, on the other, it also depends on the behavior of others and the social conditions in which the person finds himself. The term is used above all when it must be emphasized that an individual's personality and integrity are fragile assets and must be protected from external attacks.
In addition to this usage, there is a second meaning: the statement that individual persons are "whole" means that they are "incorruptible" and have deeply rooted values, those who are permanently anchored and who cannot be dissuaded.
What is the difference between honesty and integrity.
Now that you know what honesty is and its meaning, as well as what integrity is and how a person of integrity is defined; It will be easier for you to understand the difference between honesty and integrity, paying attention to the following items:
- Integrity implies a consistent behavior, honest or not; honesty involves being truthful (albeit incorrect) about a subject at hand.
- Honesty, by definition, means tell the truth and be true; integrity is having strong moral principles based on honesty and following these principles religiously.
- Honesty refers to sincerity or truthfulness, while integrity has a much broader meaning, encompassing honesty and moral soundness.
- Although a person of integrity may be honest, not all honest people can have integrity.
If you liked this article about the difference between honesty and integrity, we recommend you read our post about the Difference Between Sincerity and Honesty.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Difference Between Honesty and Integrity, we recommend that you enter our category of Social psychology.
Bibliography
- Prometheus Coaching (2021). Potenzialità: Integrità e Onestà - Cos’è e come funziona. Recovered from: https://www.prometeocoaching.it/sviluppo-del-potenziale/potenzialita-integrita-onesta-cose-come-funziona/
