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The idea of 'standing alone', as with the integer of one, is more relevant to the word integrity than you might think. It means that if a person has integrity the whole of him/her will do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.
The following is a story that I originally posted on September 19, 2013. But it helps illustrate the meaning of integrity. In fact, so much so, it impacted my life. I will remember it always.
I had a job in a small town outside of Kalamazoo, Michigan when I was attending WMU. During the summer, I helped refurbish and remodel a house that was built in the 1920s. The owners, after completion, turned it into a pizza and ice cream restaurant called The CowCatcher. I waitressed in the evenings throughout the week.
It was my day to close. We hadn't much business for a late summer night except for the 'regular' older couple who lived in a nearby community. They came in almost daily to enjoy a bowl of vanilla ice cream: single dip.
It was easy to exchange pleasantries; they were easy-going and friendly. I didn't mind that they were there to accompany me as I began winding down the end of the work night.
They finished and cashed out and said their informal benediction of "good-by, until next time." I started to wipe and clean what I needed t so I could get home. It was a long day going to class and running around in a pair of denim overalls (the restaurant's uniform). I was weary and more than ready to get some rest.
What happened next, about ten minutes later, gave me an insight that has helped guide my decisions ever since.
After locking the door, I went about the routine of closing down the cash register. There was a knock on the pane of the door. It startled me. It was the old man (his wife was sitting in the car).
"Yes, do you need something?"
He walked in and stood in front of the cash register. I went behind it. He pulled from his pocket...a penny. "One" penny.
"You gave me too much change back." He explained.
He dropped it into my open, extended palm.
"Thank you."
I was stunned.
He turned and walked to the door and said another "Good-bye, until next time."
Why? It was only a penny...really? He didn't have to come miles back to return a single cent!
Since then there have been several times when a cashier gave me too much change back. Should an innocent mistake be an opportunity to take unfair advantage? If it is, it diminishes the principles of honesty and integrity. Sure, it might not seem much, but I harken back to this small act on the part of that older gentleman. Why did he do it? He did it because it was just the right thing to do.
I think Pythagoras would be smiling with approval and agreement with the humanity of the number "1" and the "whole" of a heart-led, simple man who, by example, demonstrated sound and moral judgment. Thank you.