Egoism and egocentrism in psychology: difference and similarity in concepts

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

There are many terms used in psychology. Among them are two very similar words, namely: "egoism" and "egocentrism." In everyday life, the word "egoist" is most often used. For this reason, many ordinary people who do not know the meaning of these terms believe that egoism and egocentrism are synonymous. However, according to experts, these concepts should be distinguished. The fact is that there is a significant difference between egoism and egocentrism. They have only the root “ego” in common. You will learn about the difference between egoism and egocentrism from this article.

What are the similarities

Psychological terms "egoism" and "egocentrism" have a common root. In Greek, "ego" means "I". According to experts, the "ego" is a psychological entity characteristic of each individual. Through the ego, a person contacts the outside world. In general, the ego is a bridge that connects the superego and the id, namely: elevated spiritual aspirations and instincts. Thanks to the presence of an ego, a person can adequately respond to everything that happens in the outside world. What do ordinary people mean by egoism and egocentrism?

What is selfishness

To find out what is the difference between the concepts of "egoism" and "egocentrism", you should understand these terms separately. Egoism is called the value orientation of the individual, in the foreground, which has purely personal interests and benefits. It is noteworthy that these interests are not always exclusively material in nature.

Who are called egoists

It so happened that in everyday use the word "egoist" we hear much more often. They call him a narcissistic person who does not consider others. The concept of "egoist" is applicable, for example, to children, as well as those who do not marry and do not start a family. In other words, egoists are people who want to live solely for their own sake. The opposite of an egoist is an altruist - an individual who acts primarily for others. Most often, altruists are found among family people. Thus, selfishness is an evaluative name for the behavior of an individual whose personal interests come first.

On the origin of the term

According to experts, in the Age of Enlightenment, and it was then that this concept was first talked about, selfishness had a positive emotional coloring. At that time, they proclaimed reasonable selfishness, and therefore believed that morality should be based on noble owninterests and personal aspirations. Remarkably, during the Age of Enlightenment, morality and spirituality were treated differently than they are today. These things were “in trend” then.

Our days

Of course, today the concepts of morality and spirituality have not depreciated, but they are consciously cultivated much less often, especially among the younger generation. Nowadays, the word selfishness is used more often with a negative emotional connotation. Nevertheless, as experts are convinced, it must be inherent in modern man within reasonable limits. It is not worth denying egoism, but it is also not customary to ex alt it, and therefore a smart individual will carefully hide and disguise this quality of his.

How selfish people behave

Such individuals often cover up their selfish manifestations with altruism. According to experts, there is a very shaky line between the concepts of "egoism" and " altruism". This can be seen in relationships. For example, an individual covers his egoism with love: on the one hand, he takes care of his partner, and on the other, he wants to make himself happy.

Manifestations of selfishness are very different. Some individuals strive for material we alth. These individuals eat deliciously, dress stylishly and regularly go somewhere on vacation. Such an egoist needs comfort first of all. To ensure a decent life, he has to work hard. This behavior is considered an example of reasonable selfishness. Some selfish individuals want to make themselves comfortable, butat the expense of others. Such people want to earn more money, but work less. If they have any overlays at work, then they blame all the blame on another person or on a combination of circumstances. Judging by the reviews, this type of egoist is considered the most unpleasant. In general, these individuals deliberately lead a parasitic lifestyle.

Who are egocentrists

Unlike egoism, egocentrism is the position of a person whose interests are limited only by their own experiences, feelings and needs. This type is completely immune to any information if it runs counter to his personal settings. Mostly the surrounding people act as a source of such information.

What are the differences between selfishness and egocentrism

In general, these concepts are very similar. However, there is a difference between egoism and egocentrism. It lies in the fact that individuals are differently aware of their attitudes. The egoist chooses to live only for himself quite consciously. The egocentrist simply cannot understand that it is possible to act differently. In other words, selfishness lies in the unwillingness to accept the opinions of other people, and egocentrism lies in the inability to do so. In psychology, egoism and egocentrism manifest themselves in different ways. For example, an egoist loves only his own person and strives to do everything only for himself. The egocentric perceives himself as the center of the universe. The attitude in society to these phenomena also differs. Selfish people are always blamed. Egocentrism is simply not characterized by positively coloredinterpretations. An egoist, pursuing a benefit for himself, simply ignores those around him. The egocentrist considers the interests and feelings of others to be absolutely insignificant and unworthy of attention. The egoist needs other people on whom he could parasitize. The egocentric doesn't need anyone.

For example, if men start relationships with women, and then easily part with them just because something does not suit them, then this is an example of a typical egocentrist. A selfish man can safely sit unemployed on his wife's neck.

On the behavior of an egocentrist

Such a person sincerely believes in his point of view, considers it the only correct one. An egocentric person is not even aware of the existence of different opinions. Rejection can be caused by psychophysiological and social reasons. The egocentric is only interested in his personal beliefs, emotions and feelings. Due to the fact that such an individual is fixated exclusively on himself, he simply does not notice other people around him.

This behavior leads to frequent conflicts. It is noteworthy that there is no such thing as a “close person” for an egocentric. Surrounding people this type mainly considers as pawns. They are toys and things for him, and in the center is the only one.

If an egocentric person encounters a different point of view, he will begin to convince and teach everyone. In a team, such a person thinks that othersthey only do it to spite him.

Age limits

According to psychologists, only children can be forgiven for being self-centered, if they have not yet reached the age of three. Egocentrism is also considered the norm in individuals diagnosed with mental pathologies. Thus, egocentrism is due to psychophysiological characteristics. In adults and mentally he althy people, egocentrism is considered a destructive trait, a sign of an immature person. It may be that in the course of the socialization of the individual, this process is disturbed. As a result, adolescent identification is inadequate. Thus, if during the period of formation of self-consciousness, when the child is looking for a middle ground between the personal and the public, a failure occurs, egocentrism begins to form. It can also occur if, in adolescence, the individual did not retain his individuality, but fit into the general rhythm of life. In addition, such a person also develops infantilism. Unlike egoism, egocentrism is inherent only in children and people with mental disabilities. Egoism will accompany the individual throughout his life. According to experts, closer to old age, many people become more self-centered. The reason for this is the psychophysiological age-related changes. It has been noted that old people practically do not differ from children in their behavior and thinking.

What's wrong with egocentrics

Since each person can develop harmoniously only by interacting with other individuals, egocentrists at this stage very often"stuck". The fact is that such individuals are limited by the framework of their "I". If an egoist, despite the fact that he understands the feelings of people and knows that his actions can offend someone, nevertheless, pursuing his own benefit, ignores the interests of others, then the egocentrist simply does not know about them. According to psychologists, such an individual himself is in great need of attention, love and recognition. The only way to learn to hear others is by talking. This requires willpower and patience. If the problem is so serious that it is not possible to cope on your own, then you should visit several sessions of psychotherapy. Their exact number is determined by the specialist after diagnosing the problem. It all depends on how the subconscious is running. The psychologist already determines what exactly a person lacks, and begins work in this direction.

In conclusion

Egocentrism is a kind of credo, a position in life, according to which the individual is guided solely by his own opinion. Such a person has his own opinion on any issue. The personal opinion of an egocentrist is above all for him. Those around him are only a source of blessings. Other people are not part of his world. Of course, in life, an egocentric in rare cases can do things that are contrary to his interests. This is what distinguishes him from an egoist. Since this type has the courage to take full responsibility, according to psychologists, there are many strong, successful and strong-willed people among egocentrists.