The Way of Integrity summary

“Midway through the journey of our life,” begins Dante, “I found myself in a dark forest, for the right way was lost.” Like Dante, you may suddenly be feeling alone and adrift – and you may not know exactly what’s wrong or how you ended up here. 

What society tells us is right often misaligns with our true natures, and the Dark Wood of Error is Dante’s metaphor for the inner fog that results from this dichotomy. The first step in realigning yourself – in pursuing the “way of integrity” – is to acknowledge how lost you are. In doing so you’ll probably encounter some challenging beasts, or emotional states: a ravenous leopard (neediness), a terrifying lion (panic), or a sorrowful wolf (depression). 

As he passes through the gate, Dante enters into a hellish abyss of sinners performing various punishments; this is the Inferno. We all have an internal inferno – a place of psychological suffering – which results from being split within ourselves.

But suffering is optional. Pain comes from events, while suffering comes from the way you handle events. Popular psychology often claims that “positive” thoughts make you happy, while “negative” thoughts do the opposite. But a forced cheery statement – “I love my job!” – can feel like a dagger to the heart. Meanwhile, a negative sentiment that matches what you truly believe – “My job sucks.” – provides sweet relief. 

Dante and Virgil emerge from the Inferno at daybreak: “So we came forth and again beheld the stars.” They’re at the base of a giant mountain, the exact inverse of the Inferno. This is Purgatory, which means “cleansing” – a place where repentant souls purify themselves through various tasks up the mountain until they reach heaven.

Maybe your new ways of thinking are already lessening your inner torment. Now it’s time to walk the walk. The Inferno ended at self-betrayal, so that’s where your first steps up Purgatory begin. Specifically, stop lying. This practice seems simple, but it’s the ultimate self-help strategy on your path to happiness. 

Three things occur as Dante reaches the pinnacle of Purgatory. First, he finds himself in a beautiful forest – the Garden of Eden. Second, he meets his old flame Beatrice, who commands him to stop acting like “one who dreams.” Third, he’s dunked in two rivers. The first makes him forget all his wrongdoing, while the second reminds him of everything he’s ever done right. 

Dante emerges from the clear water wide awake and in total integrity. And, like the intact airplane, he can fly – literally. He effortlessly glides up to Paradise and takes his place among the stars.