What does "Integrity has no need for rules" mean?
To have integrity, does one have to live by God? What does integrity actually mean? I've looked it up, but I still don't really get what it means.
6 answers · Philosophy
Best Answer
Integrity occurs when a man realizes he "..may permit no breach between body and mind, between action and thought, between his life and his convictions—that, like a judge impervious to public opinion, he may not sacrifice his convictions to the wishes of others, be it the whole of mankind shouting pleas or threats against him..."
Galt’s Speech, "For the New Intellectual"; 128; Ayn Rand
"The virtue involved in helping those one loves is not “selflessness” or “sacrifice,” but integrity. Integrity is loyalty to one’s convictions and values; it is the policy of acting in accordance with one’s values, of expressing, upholding and translating them into practical reality."
"Integrity does not consist of loyalty to one’s subjective whims, but of loyalty to rational principles."
"The Virtue of Selfishness"; Ayn Rand
This means definitely that integrity has a "need for rules," the rules of reason, of logic, of unerring devotion to convictions. You get integrity by breaking rules, but you may have to make a few of those rules on your own and discard those of others. That is why some men take the path least (or never) walked, and end up being right when everyone is wrong.
Yaoi Shonen-ai · 8 years ago
Comment 7 2
Answers
the quote should probably say "decency needs no rules". Integrity just means being absolutely true to what you know is right. But you could... show more
All hat · 8 years ago
Comment 3 1
Integrity is the way in which you conduct yourself--even when nobody is watching. You live an upstanding life and do what's right even when nobody is... show more
LadyBug · 8 years ago
Comment 2 1
Integrity means to be whole and consistent. Somebody with integrity always follows his/her moral code, even when gain could theoretically be had just by... show more
jtrusnik · 8 years ago
Comment 1 1
Integrity is standing up for what you believe No matter wha