7) “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”  Comment.( 250 words)

Why this question

In Ethics paper, UPSC usually asks the candidates to comment on the quotes of famous people. The question is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading-

 

Key demand of the question

The question has two parts. In one part, we have to justify how integrity is telling truth to oneself. In the other part, we have to justify how honesty is telling the truth to other people. We have to bring out the difference between the two concepts and relate each one of them to either integrity or honesty.

 

Directive word

Comment- we have to take a stand, but here as the stand is obvious, we have to present arguments in favour of the quote as read in the question. We have to explain and defend the given quote.

 

Structure of the answer

Introduction- introduce your answer by defining integrity and honesty, in a different but related manner(wording).

Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, discuss how telling truth to oneself is integrity.

In the other part, discuss how telling truth to others means being honest.

Conclusion-  draw up a concise conclusion and relate it to the respective definitions of honesty and integrity as mentioned in the introduction.