Integrity as a Concept

We hear the term used both in construction and as a human quality. The dictionary will list these two different definitions as individually numbered entries after the word.

Conceptually, there is no difference. The 'level of integrity' that something or someone has will be determined by the 'design chosen' and the 'substances used' and the 'shape' and 'structure' in the design to arrive at 'what it is' or 'we are.' There are 'elemental factors' to consider, but, 'in the end,' we are really trying to accomplish 'sufficient integrity to fulfill purpose and defy nature.'

We might 'insulate' our walls to 'prevent the effect of the real weather' and/or to 'eliminate sounds.' We would insulate our walls for our own comfort.

If one designs 'excessive integrity,' it comes with the cost of extra weight that must be borne elsewhere in order to defy gravity. If one designs 'insufficient integrity,' it comes with the cost of being unreliable that must be borne elsewhere in order to defy gravity.

The integrity of a rock is such that it won't bend; it will, however, break. It is dense, and, therefore, heavy. While we may conceive of rocks in positive terms, most commonly we use them to build walls and throw at people with the intent to harm them. 'Rock solid' integrity will break before bending. We can hide behind rocks, and we can use them for anchors. However, if it rolls while we are hiding behind it, it may crush us. Used as an anchor, it can keep us from drifting. However, it will also keep us submerged if the water rises, and allow for drift to the degree the tether rope exceeds the depth of the water. Rocks are very heavy to use for protection against rain, and radiate heat and the absence of heat.

Rocks also don't fare well with some of nature; rocks crack, separate, and get swallowed in earthquakes, and melted and spewed in volcanoes.

We all have integrity. It is the 'fabric from which we are made.' The material that we choose for the construction of our thoughts and concepts will determine how well we are able to defy nature.

Nothing, however, defies time. Time is always a 'relative factor.'

Whether we see our objective to 'soar to the heavens (or Heaven),' or just to 'float our boats,' will be a determinant in which materials we will use in our intellectual defiance of gravity. Of course, in gravitational terms, that would relate to 'common sense,' which comprises the 'largest body of thought.'

If you plan to 'soar,' prepare for the friction and the fear of heights. If you plan to 'float,' plan to adjust the length, both directions, of the tether rope.

If you still don't understand how these concepts relate to real life, you're trying to put it together lineally. If you understand these concepts and are now ready to understand life, then, too, you are putting it together lineally. If you thought, and just thought, then you're onto conceptual thinking.

Answers lie within problems. However, we often mistake 'symptoms' as 'problems,' and then try to cure symptoms lineally.