Academic Integrity?

What ever happened to academic integrity? The title of this web log is Bushido Blog, and unless we are just stroking our own egos I'd like to think that we somehow follow this "Way of the Warrior." One part of this lifestyle is honor. I just don't see the honor in claiming other people's work as your own. If we think grade inflation is the most serious threat to the quality and reputation of our academic institutions, then we may have to consider the merit of the work that goes into those grades. What does that say if these inflated grades are based on work that a student hasn't even done?
According to a Duke University study "on most campuses, 70% of students admit to some cheating." 70%? These are the people with whom we are competing for jobs, promotions, and academic honors. These are our co-workers, work group members, and even our bosses. Have these 70% earned their inflated GPAs, or our respect?
The purpose of education is to teach the knowledge of others. But, these things we learn aren't meant to be recycled or recited rote for personal gain. The purpose of education is to provide a base of knowledge that we can use to advance future learning. It's important that we give these original thinkers their due, but it's more important that we become original thinkers ourselves.
What is the solution to this problem? There is none. As long as there are people who are willing to cheat there will be ingenious and inventive ways to do so. The solution is a personal one, the way out is inward. By maintaining our personal honor and integrity we will earn respect, and serve as an example for others. Anyone who would compete with me has to be as innovative and creative as I am. Anyone who would compete with me had better work their fucking ass off.