Regretfully I did not document the source of an interesting concept; that is the difference between sincerity and integrity. Accordingly sincerity relates to intent whereas integrity relates to the action. For example, a man invites a woman out on a date. At the time of the asking he truly wants her to be by his side, to accompany him to said event. The event doesn’t matter in this situation. Rather we are focusing on the sincerity with which he invited her. This situation could be between two friends, a parent and a child, or even a teacher and a student.

The point is at the time of the invitation the intent was clear and desirable. Then, something happens and for whatever reason the person doing the inviting or the one agreeing to the date changes their mind. Perhaps something better comes along, perhaps the invitation was forgotten. Again, why one of the parties changes their mind is not important. What is important that one of the parties did not keep their word. Though sincere about asking, their mind changing reflects their integrity.

Regardless of how sincere one is when making a plan, the integrity is demonstrated in the follow through. Does this make sense? Does it help narrow down the description of someone? One can be sincere with less than desirable integrity. Or so stated the source which I failed to document…While I am sincere in the message perhaps my integrity with giving credit where credit is due is not so strong.

Comments? Questions? Let me know: sailorhiker@gmail.com