Difference Between Egoism and Egotism

Egoism vs Egotism

Egoism and Egotism are two words that are often confused in terms of their meanings and connotations. Their usages are different too. They are, in fact, two distinct words. Both the words are related to the psychology of human beings. When looking at the world around us, we find people who have these qualities. First let us try to understand what is meant by these two terms. Egoism is self-centeredness. If a person is full of his self and selfish in his thought and actions, we consider that person to be full of egoism. On the other hand, egotism is when a person is insensitive to the feelings of others. This can be considered as the main difference between the two terms. This article attempts to shed light on these words, while emphasizing the differences that can be identified between the two words.

What is Egoism?

First let us focus on the term Egoism. The word ‘egoism’ is used in the sense of ‘selfishness’. In fact, it refers to ‘self-centeredness. Such a person is more concerned about his self-esteem and can be called as an egoist. He is more sensitive when it comes to pride and position. He would not easily give up his position and pride at the drop of the hat. His ego comes in between and stops him from stooping down beyond a certain level. An egoist does not surrender meekly. He has the I-sense to the core. His I-sense stops him from submitting himself to others. For an example, if a person only cares about his own good and forget about others such as his family and close ones, such a person can be viewed as an egoistic individual. These types of people find it difficult to put the welfare of other before their own. Also the actions, words and thoughts of such people are obsessed with their welfare. For an example imagine a situation where one of the family members get a very good job. All the members are poor and find it difficult to survive with the little amount of money that they have. Even if this one member gets a good job with a high salary. He does not help other and keeps everything to himself. This highlights that for these types of people, the concept of I is greater than the concept of us. They only think of themselves and tend to forget others.

What is Egotism?

On the other hand, the word ‘egotism’ is used in the sense of ‘insensitivity’. This is the main difference between the two words. A person who is insensitive to the sufferings of the people is called an egotist. An egotist is one who always is insensitive to several issues connected with his people or the people living in the neighborhood. He is more concerned about himself and his needs. He is not worried about the needs of other people. Sometimes, he is indifferent to the needs of his people in the household. Egotism is all about insensitivity, whereas egoism is all about selfishness. This is the main difference between the two words. An egoist does not surrender meekly. He has the I-sense to the core. His I-sense stops him from submitting himself to others. On the other hand, an egotist lacks concern for others. He keeps quiet having seen the suffering of people. He would put the question ‘why should I help others?’ These are the main differences between the two words, egoism, and egotism.

What is the Difference Between Egoism and Egotism?

• Egotism is all about insensitivity, whereas egoism is all about selfishness.
• A person who is full of egoism is more sensitive when it comes to pride and position.
• An egoist does not surrender meekly and has the I-sense to the core that stops him from submitting himself to others.
• An egotist lacks concern for others and keeps quiet having seen the suffering of people.

Image Courtesy:

1.”Egocentrism1.Musfica” by Unknown [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

2.”Narcissus-Caravaggio (1594-96) edited” by Caravaggio [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons