Congruence illuminates integrity

In geometry, two shapes are congruent if they have the same shape and size, or if the shape and size of one is the mirror image of the other. The shapes can be rotated or flipped to match, but if re-sizing is required they’re not congruent. 

 This weekend we had a family sewing bee. To cut the required pieces, we first had to fold the fabric in half. Placing the pattern on the fabric and cutting when folded produces two congruent pieces. They're not identical, but they fit together, creating the right and left side of the garment. If you cut the pieces separately, you can end up with a mismatch, where the pattern in the fabric doesn't line up, or there is a gap and the clothing won't fit. 

Likewise our statements and our actions need to be congruent. That we do what we say we will do is the definition of integrity. Whenever we try to act in conflict with our stated beliefs, we suffer what Aristotle spoke of as cognitive dissonance. To us, it's uncomfortable, like ill-fitting clothing. To others, it's hypocrisy - the patterns don't line up. 

While we might think that the way to resolve this discomfort would be to change our actions to fit our beliefs, research has shown that the opposite is often true - we will change our beliefs to justify actions we've already taken. This may make us feel more comfortable in our clothing, but the patterns still don't match.

How do you demonstrate integrity?

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