Right Things

I was at Celestial Seasonings, a tea factory in Boulder, Colorado, when I discovered a wonderful surprise. One of the trademarks of Celestial Seasonings besides their sensational tea and fantastic box designs, is the remarkable use of famous and profound quotes in the factory. I thoroughly enjoy a good proverb, and I found a multitude at that little factory on Sleepytime Drive. The cream of the crop was a quote by the auspicious Samuel Clemens (aka. Mark Twain),

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

I value integrity as much as any character trait out there. I strive to be a man of integrity. I seek it ruthlessly in other people so that I may learn from them, imitate. What is integrity? The best definition I have ever heard came from a former teacher whom I deeply respect and hope to reference in my character when I get older. He said integrity was the definition of integrating every aspect of one's life into one solid human being. No stray personalities. No uncontrolled fears or lusts. One human being who is the same no matter what environment or audience surrounds them.

Integrity defines what Twain states here. The right thing, however that abstract principle chooses to be incarnate, is usually the most unpopular and unexpected choice of many. People, especially in our self-seeking culture, are often confused by what the right thing really is. Sometimes it is even ignored. Everybody burns cds, many times illegally. Does that make it right, though it is a common practice? Confusing, I know.

Heck, I am confused too. How does one "get" integrity? What is the right thing to do? Perhaps the key to this whole integrity puzzle is living life serving other people. Living for other people's benefit seems like the right thing, no matter the circumstance. Doing this may surprise, exasperate, and confuse people, and it may cause awkwardness and uncomfortable situations, but is it not worth it to achieve righteousness and integrity?