"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." To what extent do you agree with this quote? In what global aspects do you see evidence of this? Do you think that people only act in a 'morally-proper' way because people are watching?
26 Comments
Alan Nguyen
1/31/2016 08:00:16 pm
To a certain extent, integrity is doing the right thing, even if people aren't watching. Regardless of whether someone is noticing your righteous acts, you should do it because it is the right thing to do. However, a lot of things that are considered "the right thing" to do are determined by the society. So it can be very bias what integrity can mean. In some society,doing the right thing can be minding your own business rather than help each other out. When looking at a global perspective, there are kids in the middle eastern who are constantly at war everyday by continue to take care of their family and do what is called integrity, even when no one is watching. But sadly I do think a lot of people only act
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Micaela Lucero
2/1/2016 04:20:48 pm
Integrity's definition is "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness". I agree with this quote. It is hard to find global aspects of this since no one is watching. However, people that protect others from sexual harassment, bullying, and other things that get noticed, they didn't planned on getting congratulated for standing up for the person, they just did it. It's like that show "what would you do?". I wouldn't consider a person having integrity if they ONLY did it when others were watching. I do think that there are those few people that only do it when people are watching, but they can be hard to tell the difference from those who don't know how to re act to a certain situation.
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Antonia Huynh
2/1/2016 05:06:06 pm
The quote, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching," is a very powerful concept for everyone who has a human characteristics of being honest, honor, and having a strong moral principle to their character. In the global aspects, it is seen by whom is the witness only to 'spread' integrity. By having integrity of doing a honest job or an honest action, helps to spread the action of doing good to the world. Despite it as being seen, watched, or observing, helps others as well to spread the good sense of morals. Observers can slowly develop the courage of having integrity as a characteristic such as the person who is setting an example for others to see and act upon. However, if no one is watching, the one that knows who is doing the right thing is yourself. With yourself as witness, it helps to build your own character and your own sense of morals and righteousness.
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Daniel (Certified Cool Kid) Phan
2/1/2016 06:09:02 pm
The above statement very accurately describes what integrity is, however, it doesn’t capture the entirety of integrity as there are multiple notable aspects of integrity that represent the essence of integrity.
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Emily Gilday
2/1/2016 06:46:11 pm
I believe that integrity is doing the right thing. When I was younger my mom would always say this to me as a reminder of how I should act regardless if someone is or isn't watching. Just because someone isn't watching doesn't mean you have to change your personality. Having integrity will benefit you in the long run. However, different social norms have different interpretations of integrity. What may seem like the right thing to do to you may not be seen the same to someone who lives in a different part of the world. I do believe that people only act "morally" when others are watching. We as humans want to please everyone and want to be liked by everyone.
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Hien Ngo
2/1/2016 07:03:52 pm
In a person's eye, integrity means a lot of things. It depends on the situation and how people view it. However, it is hard to take actions when there isn't any watching. This is because we are afraid to face the situation alone. An example is a kidnapping scene (this occurs everywhere around the world), it is right to go and prevent it, however, there are incidents where people just ignore it because they are afraid of standing alone. On the other hand, when there is someone watching they feel safer to take action because they know the other person will view them as a 'good person.' In addition to that, when someone does take action it is a "Control-C" and "Control- V" process because people want to follow what the 'group' is doing.
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Samantha Ruckle
2/1/2016 07:19:50 pm
Integrity is the quality of having strong moral principles, meaning one with integrity strongly sticks to what they deem "right" at all times. Therefore, one with integrity theoretically would do the right thing even when no-one is watching. For example, after the attacks on Paris, many citizens of the United States and worldwide expressed their condolences for those who were injured in the attacks. No one told those people to express their support for Paris, but rather they chose to do so on their own accord because they believed it was the right thing to do. However, this statement is true to an extent, but only in theory. There is always someone watching in the world, and one's actions change according to who is watching them or around them; these changes in a way a person acts due to who is watching them often happen unconsciously because humans are always seeking support from those around them. Those who expressed their support for the Paris attacks did so because a lot of their loved ones were doing the same, and they wanted respect from them. Similarly, many other disasters occurred in the world that very same day, but because many people only acknowledged Paris because those who would see their condolences were more familiar with Paris than with the other nations. Therefore, people for the most part do only act "morally proper" when they are being watched.
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Nayeli Marquez
2/1/2016 07:21:29 pm
To a full extent that can be claimed true, yet it differs with the perspective of a person. What is "moral" to a person cannot be for another. As the morals of people differ because of the person's tradition and/or culture. The actions all depend on the person, if the person is morally honest they do it out of habit, out of curtesy, and out of respect. The opposite of those people do it most for appearance to be to be viewed that way FOR respect.
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Emily Main
2/1/2016 08:11:00 pm
This day and age I don't believe you can say "people will act with integrity even when no one is watching" due to media. This has allowed for numerous of teenagers to post without thought, without that switch turning on saying "wait, what will I gain from posting this?" Maybe a few moments release that tension, but the problem still unsolved. Everything you post is seen, and those who see it may even surprise you. The whole idea of morals is melting into nothingness and that conscience of what is appropriate is blurring. is there a way to return from this? Possibly but it will take time for all of us to realize it, or come to terms with it when our own integrity starts to be questioned. Maybe then, because when a problem becomes personal will there be more interest in the integrity of our characters instead of furthering ourselves by crooked ways like the capitalist society we are currently present in.
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Kristina Nguyen
2/1/2016 08:14:56 pm
Integrity is about moving away from societal judgement in order to be true to oneself and stand up for the "right thing." Although what is right is determined differently through religious and cultural aspects, the process of integrity remains the same, in which projects the beliefs of existentialism. What can be defined as integrity depends on the character, and the character is the one who builds on his own integrity.
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Alex Wise
2/1/2016 09:03:12 pm
I am in complete agreement with C.S. Lewis on his thoughts about integrity. Doing the right thing all the time, even when there's no one to witness it, is a good indication of what kind of person you are. Just because no one is watching doesn't mean that you shouldn't do the right thing, although as a society, we tend to do the "morally proper" thing more often when someone is watching because of how that reflects on us. Often, when we do things that are considered, we're praised or rewarded, so society as a whole has adopted a tendency to act like a better person when other people are around to raise the collective opinions about them.
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Tristan Hernon
2/1/2016 09:52:56 pm
Integrity is doing what is right, to the fullest extent, even if nobody is watching. Doing the right thing is not about whether or not you will be recognized or praised for what you have chosen morally to do to help a certain cause, but rather a way for one to feel a sense of pride knowing that they have taken action in order to help a specific cause. If one has integrity then it should not matter to them whether or not they are recognized because they realize that its the fact that they know they've taken action that counts. All around the world there are terrorist attacks and as a world we can all join together to show our awareness in one way or another, whether it be travelling to help clean the area, provide food, water, and/or shelter, or simply by donating money, integrity allows one to have their self worth knowing that they've done something, even if they don't get recognition for it.
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Ly Ho
2/1/2016 09:55:49 pm
I strongly agree with the quote stated by C.S Lewis. Integrity means to have strong moral principles. If one was to have integrity, they would act against the immoral and injustice acts that they witnessed, despite if people are watching or not. However, there is an extent to what is considered "moral." The contents of morality can vary depending on the society and their culture/beliefs. In society these days, the presence of groups of people can influence the actions of others. People do seem to act out when there are more people present because it gives them a sense of security and safeness. If something were to happen, there would be other people around to lend a hand.
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Jenny Yang
2/1/2016 10:31:01 pm
To whom, the action of integrity of layed uponed on? Pride, is the answer. An action will lead to either consequences or award. Even if oneself think is the correct action there will be people who oppose that action. Intergrity is doing the right thing, but intergrity is also the cause of confilct. Those who have nothing give more than receive. And those who have more, receive more than give. Cultural, poverty, evironmental differences, are the cause of nothing is the right thing to do nor the wrong thing to do. Same goes to intergrity, it is not doing the right thing, it is also the right thing to do. All depends on how one think and if it's the right thing to do from each individual.
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Diana Rodriguez
2/2/2016 03:53:47 am
Humans live in a society that is often driven by greed, individualism, and designed to encourage progress by the individual person so as to make every person within that society a successful asset. As such, it is common for good will and ethical behavior to be done solely for the purpose of making oneself appear generous and, thus desirable to onlookers. With this being the case for so many individuals, to a large extent, C.S. Lewis is correct in stating that true integrity is doing the correct thing, even when no one else is looking because, if there is nobody around, it means that an ethical action was made because of a person's morals, rather than for personal advancement or fear of judgement. This concept is also present on a global scale, seeing as there is resistance to help refugees fleeing from the violence of Syria in several nations, manipulation of the mass media in North Korea, or even saying racial slurs about a particular race once a person is alone. In all of these cases, fear of judgement or loss of power drives the hesitation to act in a way that is considered morally proper when attention is placed on the issue. Despite this being a prominent issue throughout the world, it would be rather cynical to assume that humans are incapable of feeling sympathy for others and acting correctly on their own accord. As such, while I do believe that several people act in a proper manner when others are watching, I also believe there are numerous people throughout the world who do the right thing without expecting anything in exchange.
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Scott Ho
2/2/2016 04:05:54 am
This question addresses the concern of societal existentialism and thus explores the conflict between individual and community relations. Integrity without witnesses is a sense of individuality whereas with witness is now a situation of societal pressure. As Kafka proposes, individuality is just as important as social normality. Therefore, one should act on their own accord and in offering integrity without witness is a test of individual strength.
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Aaron Shukert
2/2/2016 04:44:53 am
I can easily agree with C.S. Lewis on his comment about integrity. Knowing what is right and doing what is right are separate actions, and it is by following through, no matter who or who doesn't watch, that we gain integrity. Thinking globally, right and wrong are determined through societal standards, but more importantly, right and wrong should be determined by the moral compass of each individual. If the social rights movement never stood up against those, at the time correct, standards, our country might still be divided, which in my opinion, wouldn't be just. It is for each of us to choose what is right, and our responsibility to act, regardless of who is watching.
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Emily Main
2/2/2016 06:22:43 pm
At times integrity is a part of a person's character, the quote makes it feel like it's switch that is only turned on when others are watching. Doesn't it make you wish that there were more people who would do the right thing when no one is watching? That those people can be recognized for what they do, instead of those who are doing the right thing when all eyes are on them?
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Alan Nguyen
2/2/2016 07:15:09 pm
I agree with agree about how integrity is based on societal standards when looking at it in a global perspective. For example in America, it is considered the right thing to accept and not judge anyone for their differences. Whereas in countries that are super traditional, integrity could mean condemning those who are different since that is technically the "right" thing to do in their standards.
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Darlene Bahena
2/2/2016 11:53:39 am
I also agree with C.S. Lewis wholeheartedly. And like others, I could wax poetic about integrity. What it is, what it entails, among other things. My peers have reached similar conclusions on integrity to which (for the most part) I concur, and so I shall refrain from adding any further insight. From what I have gathered in my extremely limited experience, many do not practice that which they preach. Nor do they strive to do what is right. However, that does not mean that all people do the same. If I am to hold a concept of good morals and honor such as integrity in high regard, I must give others the benefit of the doubt and hope that others do demonstrate integrity when it is truly important - when there is no one to witness. After all, what use is believing in something, only to have such little faith in its existence?
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Suchi Verma
2/2/2016 01:04:28 pm
The technical definition of integrity is "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness." To a certain extent, yes, you should be honest and follow your moral principles, but on certain occasions, telling the truth can hurt another person more than a lie can. Of course, continuing to lie is also not the solution yet if you can somehow continue the lie and never tell the truth at the same time, may be the best way to leave both people unhurt. There is a very global aspect in this question and I made the connection of catfishing. Recently, I have been watching the show and whenever I see an episode, I automatically think "FAKE!" Because the internet isn't the safest place on the planet. In that show, I honestly do feel that some of the people, because they're are on camera, own up to what they did and how they lied. The cameras are all there and they don't want to see like this horrible person who has lied on for years. People always want to look good in front of others. It's just the human nature called pride. If I look better in front of other people, then I must be a good person is what most people think. Though, I think it's more important to view yourself as a good person before trying to impress other people. If you believe you are a good person, then that's all that should matter, not the many judgmental opinions out there.
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Adriana Lucero
2/2/2016 05:51:51 pm
To a large extent I would agree with this concept, because even when nobody is watching our actions may still make a difference in the overall outcome. An example of this would be if you see someone getting bullied if you choose not to act upon that a person would not be looked at differently but if you choose to act this may overall help the person getting bullied to have a better outcome in life and they know that not everyone is bad. I do think sometimes people act a certain way just because people are watching because they want be noticed and maybe even thanked for their moral actions.
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Mireya Valadez
2/2/2016 06:01:51 pm
I truly believe this quote to a full extent. If a person is showing integrity whether people are watching or not shows true integrity where as people only doing it because someone else is watching isn't showing true integrity. There are many situations where people act a certain way because they know a certain someone is watching. I also believe that people act differently when they are around certain people or know someone in particular are around, for example when someone has a crush on someone else they tend to act differently to be noticed and hopefully get the other person to like them back rather then being who they truly are.
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Gabby Schmitz
2/2/2016 11:05:39 pm
I don't necessarly agree with this statement as some people can tend to show integrity by their benefit in order to gain something as they can act like no on is watching. Word can get around about a person caring for an ideal focus and sometimes it is genuine. In the sense of the world, the USA can show that they are helping a coiuntry such as Iraq from the terrorist but in the reality of it all, the goal is to aquire oil. In facing society people act 'morally-proper' because they dont want their reputation hurt but take the people looking at you, sometimes people show integrity hoping that someone is watching.
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Alicia Aguirre
2/3/2016 02:34:16 pm
I agree with this statement considering that Integrity deals with the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles or moral uprightness. Even though no one is watching, having strong moral principals means that you will follow through and do the right thing regardless of the circumstance or audience. It's dependent of your character and how strongly one agrees with Integrity and its meaning.
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Alex Preston
2/4/2016 08:41:30 am
Integrity is the action of doing the right thing even though there may be no audience to this act. Integrity is a trait that is not present among most people because it is true that an audience promotes good actions. When people are watching, we feel obligated to perform moral actions when they are demanded of us, while in solitude our actions are not monitored, and thus we feel less obligated to perform moral actions.
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