Integirity

[eumelia]

I am a deeply flawed person.
I have weaknesses and traits I'm not particularly proud of.
I am, however, human and these flaws, weaknesses and less-than-positive traits make up the whole person that I am.

At the end of the day, I think I'm a decent person; I don't steal, I straight talk as much as I can, I try to be as honest as I possibly can at all times, I spend time with my family, my friends and by myself, I'm polite and try to improve my character, and so on.

The most important thing we have in this life is our integrity, our wholeness of being.

Alan Moore wrote one of the best speeches about integrity, here's a small bit if it:

"...My mother said I broke her heart. But it was my integrity that was important. Is that so selfish? It sells for so little, but it's all we have left in this place.
It is the very last inch of us.
But in that inch we are free."

-Valerie, V for Vendetta p. 156, by Alan Moore

A bit dramatic, but what would Alan Moore be if not dramatic.

The point is, in order to be free and true and honest with ourselves we will most likely hurt other people, because who we are doesn't always live up to the expectations of other people, in order to do that we'd have to pretend to be something we are not and in the end that causes only more pain.
Putting myself ahead of other people, doesn't make me a bad person, though if that's the moniker that would be given me for my integrity and the decision not to compromise for the sake of something that wasn't doing anyone any good.

So be it.

I know exactly who I am and what I'm worth.

I'm insanely joyful to any other who possesses that knowledge. Gaining that knowledge can be difficult and is often painful and one is likely to lose people over it, but in the end... it is more important to be honest and whole, than give a piece of yourself away one inch at a time.

In addition, the genocide in Darfur must be stopped.

וכמו כן, צריך לעצור את רצח העם בדרפור.

Comments

[lifeofresearch.livejournal.com]

We are all flawed people but hopefully we are improving. I have been told that integrity is my most important trait and I perceive myself as possessing that trait. However, possessing integrity is not an excuse to possess poor people skills. For example, when you shaved your head and I complemented you, I was totally honest and sincere. But that was my opinion and I know many or most people will disagree with me as your mother did. I am also sure she acted in what she would consider your best interest. To be honest, I have had to pick my battles, the ones worth winning, and not contest the rest. I do not know you face to face but I respect you and think you have the ingredients to be a truly great person in history if you want to and opportunities to excel exist. I know this is rambling but my point is be nice to others while you are being honest without compromising your integrity. Sorry if this is too long, you rang my bell this morning.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

I agree, one must be nice to other people and pick ones battles of that there is no doubt. Sometimes hurt is unavoidable, though, which is a shame, but as I said, there isn't any shame in putting oneself first.

Thank you for your words, I'm very complimented :)

[aesiron.livejournal.com]

Hi. I've seen you post in Mel's journal for as long as I can remember being her friend and just checked out your profile and journal, which both seem interesting. Would you mind if I friend you?

[lifeofresearch.livejournal.com]

No problem if you friend me I will friend you back. One can never have too many friends.