Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive concern for one's own interests and welfare: "Egoism" refers to an ethical stance or personal attitude where one prioritizes their own needs, desires, and well-being above those of others.
   • (In ethics) The theory that self-interest is the foundation of morality: In philosophical contexts, "egoism" is the doctrine that the pursuit of one's own welfare is the proper basis for moral action and judgment.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (General Usage):

  • His egoism made it difficult for him to maintain friendships. (His excessive self-concern made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.)
  • The company's culture was criticized for its rampant egoism and lack of teamwork. (The company's culture was criticized for its rampant self-interest and lack of teamwork.)

• Noun (Philosophical/Ethical Usage):

  • The philosopher argued for ethical egoism, claiming that rational self-interest leads to a better society. (The philosopher argued for ethical egoism, claiming that rational self-interest leads to a better society.)
  • Psychological egoism is the view that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest. (Psychological egoism is the view that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest.)

Advanced Usage

• "Rational egoism": A form of egoism which argues that it is rational, not just natural or ethical, to act in one's own self-interest.
  • The concept of rational egoism was central to her argument about individual rights.
• "Enlightened egoism": The idea that acting for the benefit of others can ultimately serve one's own long-term interests.
  • His charitable acts were not purely altruistic but stemmed from a sense of enlightened egoism.

Variants and Related Words

• Egoist (n): A person who is self-centered or an adherent of the philosophy of egoism.
  • He was labeled an egoist for never considering his colleagues' ideas.
• Egoistic (adj): Characterized by or derived from egoism; self-centered.
  • Her egoistic behavior alienated her from the group.
• Egotism (n): While often used interchangeably in casual speech, "egotism" typically emphasizes an excessive sense of self-importance or a tendency to talk excessively about oneself, whereas "egoism" is more about the principle of self-interest.
  • His constant bragging was a clear display of egotism.

Synonyms

• Self-interest: Concern for one's own personal advantage.
• Self-centeredness: Preoccupation with oneself and one's affairs.
• Selfishness: (A more common, often pejorative synonym) The quality of lacking consideration for others; being concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.

Antonyms

• Altruism: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
• Selflessness: The quality of being more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Looking out for number one": (Idiom) Taking care of oneself first; a colloquial expression for egoistic behavior.
  • In that competitive industry, everyone is just looking out for number one.

Noun

1. concern for your own interests and welfare
2. (ethics) the theory that the pursuit of your own welfare in the basis of morality