Egoist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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egoist
[หiหษกoสษชst ]
Definition
philosophical view
An egoist is someone who is primarily concerned with their own interests, desires, and welfare, often disregarding the needs or feelings of others. In philosophy, egoism is the ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality. Egoists may believe that acting in their own interest is the most rational and beneficial approach to life. This concept can sometimes intersect with individualism, though it often implies a more self-centered orientation.
Synonyms
individualist, self-seeker, selfish person.
Examples of usage
- The businessman was an egoist, prioritizing profit over employee welfare.
- Egoists often struggle to maintain meaningful relationships.
- In discussions of ethics, egoists may argue for the validity of serving one's own interests.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Egoism is often contrasted with altruism, which promotes selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- There are different types of egoism, including ethical egoism, which suggests people should act in their own best interest.
- Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche advocated for a perspective where individualism and self-interest are central to human experience.
Psychology
- In psychology, egoism can relate to the concept of the 'self' and one's personal identity.
- High levels of egotism may indicate narcissistic traits, where one seeks admiration and validation from others.
- Psychological research often examines how egoism affects interpersonal relationships and community engagement.
Cultural References
- In literature, characters depicted as egoists often face conflicts due to their self-centered nature, like Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby'.
- Many modern films explore themes of self-interest, portraying protagonists who embark on personal journeys that neglect the needs of others.
- In the realm of social media, egoism is sometimes amplified, where individuals curate their online personas to showcase only their accomplishments.
Economics
- In economic theory, egoistic behavior can be seen in models based on self-interest, like Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' concept.
- Behavioral economics explores how egoism influences decisions in market dynamics and consumer behavior.
- Nash equilibrium, a key concept in game theory, suggests that rational egoists make decisions that maximize their own payoffs.
Origin of 'egoist'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'egoist' comes from the Latin word 'ego', meaning 'I'.
- It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, originally in philosophical contexts.
- Philosophical discussions about egoism date back to thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and John Stuart Mill.
The word 'egoist' originates from the Latin word 'ego', meaning 'I'. It began to take on its modern form in the 19th century when the philosophical theories of egoism gained prominence, particularly with the work of philosophers like Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes introduced ideas asserting that human actions are motivated by self-interest, which laid the groundwork for later interpretations of egoism. By the late 1800s, the term had evolved to describe individuals who are perceived as self-centered or overly focused on their own needs. The development of psychological theories around the ego further influenced the popular understanding of egoism, linking it to notions of self-preservation and desire. Today, 'egoist' is commonly used in both philosophical discourse and everyday language to describe individuals who exhibit self-serving behaviors.