Difference Between Integrity & Dignity

Key Difference – Integrity vs Dignity

Integrity and dignity are two distinct qualities, although they often go together. Integrity refers to a strong commitment to a strict moral or ethical code, while dignity is the condition of being worthy of honor or respect. Both qualities are important to develop within oneself.

Key Takeaways

• Integrity is the adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
• Dignity is the state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
• Both qualities are admirable and should be cultivated in oneself.

What is Integrity?

Integrity is the commitment to a strict moral or ethical code. It is described 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 choosing a moral or ethical code to follow and acting in accordance with this code, even when it is challenging or inconvenient. A person with integrity is trustworthy, sincere, and steadfast, and will always admit their mistakes. If a person acts according to their beliefs and moral code, they are acting with integrity. For example, if a person unintentionally fails to pay for an item at a store and then returns to admit their mistake and pay for the item, they are demonstrating integrity.

What is Dignity?

Dignity is the state of being worthy of esteem or respect. Human dignity involves the expectation of personal respect, and every human being should be treated with dignity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Dignity involves treating others in a respectable manner and expecting to be treated in the same way, regardless of one’s socio-economic background, religion, sex, or physical disabilities. Even criminals should be treated with dignity, as it is a basic human right. When we treat someone with dignity, we are recognizing their worth.

For example, women may be mistreated in some societies because it is believed they do not deserve dignity and can be treated in any manner. This is why they are often victimized, abused, and exploited in many situations. If everyone in the world treated others with dignity, such situations would not occur. Dignity can also refer to a sense of pride in oneself, which can also be described as self-respect. It is the way one sees themselves and how others ultimately see them.

What is the difference between Integrity and Dignity?

Integrity refers to a strong commitment to a strict moral or ethical code, while dignity refers to the state of being worthy of esteem or respect. A person with integrity will be honest and follow a strict moral code, whereas a person with dignity will behave in a respectful manner and treat people with dignity.

Integrity is a quality possessed by an individual, while dignity also refers to how someone treats others.

Summary – Integrity vs Dignity

There is a difference between integrity and dignity, although both are admirable qualities. Integrity refers to a strong commitment to a strict moral or ethical code, while dignity refers to how someone behaves and treats others. A dignified person will behave respectfully and treat others with respect.

Image Courtesy:
1. “304353” (Public Domain) via Pixabay
2. “Integrity” by Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) via The Blue Diamond Gallery