Question: “Integrity without knowledge is useless, where as knowledge without integerity is dangerous." what do you understand by this statement ? Elaborate with examples.

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The given statement by Samuel Johnson depicts the intrinsic relation between integrity and knowledge,both of which are essential components of an individual to do the governance.

Integrity is the integration of ideals,convictions,standards,beliefs and behavior of a human. While, Knowledge is the information, and skills acquired through experience or education.

Relation between Integrity and Knowledge:

The person in integrity  is never influenced by temptations and pressures from outside as he or she would only respond to one’s  conscience.

However ,integrity of person cannot be put to use for society in the absence of knowledge. It is knowledge that ensures usefulness of a man’s integrity to society.

On the other hand, Knowledge without Integrity is extremely dangerous for the entire society. Because without  Integrity, an individual uses his knowledge for himself only. He/she may not able to see the public interest.

Example: Integrity without knowledge- 

X is a Beggar. He/She has high moral values like honesty, truthfulness, amicable etc. But, he/she is not able to make a change in the society without knowledge.

Example: Knowledge without Integrity-

Y is a corrupt politician . He/She has a very sharp mind with full of Knowledge but on the ground of Integrity, he is very corrupt. His/Her corrupt intentions will impact the society negatively.

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Additional information:

For example, for a magistrate to take a decision on a certain case, he/she needs both knowledge and integrity. While knowledge makes him/her aware of the facts of the case, laws in question etc. so that he may provide the right judgment, integrity ensures that his actions are ethical, and that there is no conflict of interest etc. 

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Hence, the above mentioned examples are appropriately explaining that both, Knowledge and integrity, are imperative in an individual for better governance in the society.