Integrity Quotes
Integrity is the foundational quality that defines the consistency of one's character and the alignment between their values and actions. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to remain steadfast in one's moral convictions provides a sense of internal peace and external reliability.
"No man is free who is not master of himself."
Context
Source: Book: Discourses
Related Themes
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response."
Context
Source: Book: Man's Search for Meaning
Related Themes
"The unexamined life is not worth living."
Context
Source: Inspired by: Self-reflection and Purpose
Related Themes
"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters."
"Tell the truth — or, at least, don't lie."
"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."
"Integrity is the only thing that cannot be taken from you; it can only be given away."
"Integrity has no need of rules."
"With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide."
"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively."
"In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
"As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself."
"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."
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."
"Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind."
"The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has."
"If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it."
Context
Source: Book: Meditations, Book XII
Related Themes
"Integrity is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
"Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give up the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act."
"Integrity is the bedrock upon which all other values are built."
"Truth is one, paths are many."
"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
Context
Source: Essay: The Freedom of the Press (Proposed Preface to Animal Farm)
Related Themes
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
"If you can't see yourself working with someone for life, don't work with them for a day."
Context
Source: Book: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Related Themes
Why these quotes matter
Integrity matters because it is the root of all trust and the primary metric of a person's character. It ensures that our words have meaning and that our actions are predictable and principled.
How to apply them daily
To apply integrity today, one must practice radical honesty in small moments and hold themselves accountable to their own standards. It involves pausing before acting to ensure that a choice aligns with long-term values rather than short-term convenience.
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"Ultimately, integrity is a lifelong practice of self-correction and commitment to the truth. By honoring our internal values, we create a life of authenticity and lasting impact."
