'Integrity' Tops Web Dictionary's Lookups

[electropop]

...

The noun, formally defined as a "firm adherence to a code" and "incorruptibility," has always been a popular one on the Springfield-based company's Web site, said Merriam-Webster president John Morse. But this year, the true meaning of integrity seemed to be of extraordinary concern. About 200,000 people sought its definition online.

"I think the American people have isolated a very important issue for our society to be dealing with," Morse said. "The entire list gives us an interesting window that opens up into what people are thinking about in their lives."

Ralph Whitehead, a journalism professor at the University of Massachusetts, said it may indicate the continuing discussion about American values and morality, or perhaps that integrity itself is becoming scarce so its definition is unfamiliar.

"You hope integrity is a word everyone understands," he said.
...

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1394344

[henslee]

1. I seriously wonder if this is due to non-english speakers looking up the

word.

[electropop]

2. Or maybe schoolkids, prompted by their teachers to write essays on it?

Either way, it's encouraging that at last, people are thinking about it. Useful to note that "morality" or "intelligent design" are not in the top words list. "Integrity" is not about religious edicts, it's about honesty and incorruptibility. This is where (in theory) our side has a significant advantage, if we choose to start acting more honestly and in opposition to corruption.

[henslee]

3. Kick. Integrity is a great word.