Integrity can be defined as "an uncompromising adherence to a code of moral, artistic or other values, utter sincerity, honesty and candor, avoidance of deception, expediency, artificiality or shallowness of any kind" (Webster's 3rd New International Dictionary 1174). In simpler words this means to maintain high standards and follow the rules, even when no one is watching. Integrity is very important in our everyday life if we wish to be good people. The sad thing is that if you ask some people what integrity means to them they will probably tell you that it doesn't mean much and some may not even know what integrity is. Certain people feel that in order to get ahead in life they need to break certain rules. It is also very disappointing that it isn't easy to find people who have high integrity and are always honest, no matter what the consequence. The United States would be an even better place to live if we could stop all the theft, cheating, lying, and many more crimes committed by people who are dishonest, lack integrity, and have no moral values. Even in government elections we see candidates making up lies about the other candidate and they know that it isn't true and they don't care. A high standard of personal integrity and honesty is probably the most important to students. It is also very important in your career and in your personal life. If you are a person who was honest in school and didn't cheat even if you could have gotten away with it then you will most likely show the same respect in your career.
Academic honesty and integrity is very necessary for someone to be a good student. If you are someone who works really hard for your grades and never has cheated but you aren't a straight A student then you still are a better student than someone who has straight A's but always cheats to get them. Academic honesty and integrity is a major problem at schools, especially colleges. It isn't easy for a teacher to detect a student who