Key Difference – Integrity vs Dignity
Dignity is a quality that goes hand in hand with integrity. However, integrity and dignity should not be confused with each other since they are not the same. The key difference between integrity and dignity is that integrity refers to a steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code whereas dignity refers to the state of being worthy of esteem or respect. Both are admirable qualities one should try to cultivate in oneself.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Integrity
3. What is Dignity
4. Side by Side Comparison – Integrity vs Dignity
5. Summary
What is Integrity?
Integrity refers to a steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. It is defined by the Oxford dictionary as the “quality of being honest and having strong moral principles,” and by Merriam-Webster as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.”
Integrity involves selecting a moral or ethical code which should be followed, acting according to this code even when it is difficult or inconvenient to do so. A person with integrity would be trustworthy, sincere, and steadfast, and would always admit his mistakes. If a person is acting according to his beliefs and his moral code, he is acting with integrity. For example, imagine that a person forgot to pay for something at a store; if that person goes back, admit his mistake and pays for that item, he or she can be described as a person with integrity.
What is Dignity?
Dignity is the state of being worthy of esteem or respect. Human dignity involves the expectation of personal respect. Every human being should be treated with dignity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Dignity involves treating others in a respectable manner as well as expecting to be treated in the same manner. It does not whether you are poor, uneducated, or belongs to a lower class. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity irrespective of their sex, religion, cultural, social, and economic background, or any physical disabilities. Even criminals should be treated with dignity since dignity is a basic human right. When we treat someone with dignity, we are recognizing his worth.
For example, women may be ill-treated in some societies since it is believed that they do not deserve dignity and thus can be treated in any way. This is why they are often victimized, abused and exploited in many situations. If everyone in the world treats others with dignity, such kind of situations will not arise.
Dignity can also refer to a sense of pride in oneself. Thus, this can also be described as self-respect. It is the way one sees himself and how others ultimately see him.
Figure 02: Every person on earth deserves to be treated with dignity.
What is the difference between Integrity and Dignity?
Integrity vs Dignity |
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| Integrity refers to a steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. | Dignity refers to the state of being worthy of esteem or respect. |
| Nature | |
| A person with integrity will be honest and follow a strict moral code. | A person with dignity will behave in a respectful manner and will treat people with dignity. |
| Self vs Others | |
| Integrity is a quality processed by a person. | Dignity also refers to the manner in which someone treats others. |
Summary – Integrity vs Dignity
There is a difference between integrity and dignity although both are very admirable qualities. Integrity refers to a steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. Dignity refers to the manner in which someone behaves as well as the manner in which someone treats others. A dignified person will behave in a respectful manner and treat others respectfully.
Image Courtesy:
1. “304353” (Public Domain) via Pixabay
2. “Integrity” by Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) via The Blue Diamond Gallery