Egoism

Egoism (Fr. égoïsme; Lat. ego, 'I'), an ethical term used in the sense of selfishness; it is specially opposed to Altruism (q.v., and see ETHICS). The word is sometimes used to denote a metaphysical system of subjective idealism, in which the Ego is the sole reality (see FICHT).—Egotism, also derived from Lat. ego, is used rather in the sense of self-conceit, a tendency to refer constantly to one's self, and quote one's own authority.