Coughlin agrees with what you state here Korey. He refers to those types of integrity to refer to them and illustrate them – that is, external and image integrity occur (and he highlights them) but he does not believe they are as good or as thorough as integral inner integrity. He suggests that we sometimes believe we are behaving with integrity when we are actually doing the external or image form and this is not really what we are actively after. You have supported his position well here. Thank you for your considered response.

Best wishes, Adam.

It strikes me that including ‘external integrity’ and ‘image integrity’ is not only unnecessary but problematic. As Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, put it:

“When you have decided that a thing ought to be done and are doing it, never avoid being seen doing it, though the many shall form an unfavorable opinion about it. For if it is not right to do it, avoid doing the thing; but if it is right, why are you afraid of those who shall find fault wrongly?”

We are never able to control the opinions of others. And if other’s interpretations of our behaviour and choices is ever a consideration integrity is compromised, as I see it. Either it’s the right thing to do or it isn’t.

“What will others think?” should have nothing to do with integrity. Instead, “What do I think? What’s the right thing to do?”

If I determine a certain course of action has integrity, for me, than what others think or how others interpret what I do cannot a consideration. It’s only when I care more about my image than my integrity that I hesitate, flounder, and act outside my own principles and values.

As Seneca, another Stoic, put it:

“This, I say, is the highest duty and the highest proof of wisdom–that deed and word should be in accord, that a should be equal to under all conditions, and always the same.”

We wouldn’t want to waffle on the integrity of a bridge, neither should we waffle on our own integrity. Integrity means ‘whole and undivided.’ Basing one’s integrity on who happens to be watching isn’t it.

Hopefully not too rant-like. I write these, at times, to clarify my own thinking.

Cheers.