Egoism

Egoism is a philosophical and psychological concept concerned with the role of the self (or ego) in motivating human behavior. At its core, egoism holds that self-interest, personal will, or one’s own perceived benefit is a central — sometimes primary — driver of action. Descriptive forms of egoism argue that people naturally act in ways that serve their own interests, while normative forms contend that individuals ought to prioritize their own welfare or goals. Some interpretations emphasize not merely self-interest, but action guided by one’s own will or agency. Although egoism can involve pronounced self-centeredness, it does not inherently imply arrogance, vanity, or grandiosity. Rather, it is most often used to describe an ethical, motivational, or philosophical framework about the self’s role in decision-making, distinct from pathological narcissism or personality disorder.