In psychology, many terms are used. Among them there 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 selfishness and self-centeredness are synonyms. However, according to experts, these concepts should be distinguished. The fact is that there is a significant difference between selfishness and self-centeredness. What they have in common is only the root of the ego. You will learn about the difference between selfishness and self-centeredness from this article.
What are the similarities
The psychological terms “egoism” and “egocentrism” have a common root. Translated from the Greek "ego" means "I". According to experts, the “ego” is a psychological entity that is characteristic of each individual. Through the ego, a person is in contact with the outside world. In general, the ego is the bridge that connects the superego and the id, namely: sublime spiritual aspirations and instincts. Thanks to the presence of the ego, a person can adequately respond to everything that happens in the outside world. What do people mean by egoism and egocentrism?
What is egoism
To find out what is the difference in the concepts of "egoism" and "egocentrism", you should understand these terms separately. Egoism is the value orientation of an individual, in the foreground of which is 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 narcissist who does not reckon with others. The term "egoist" is applicable, for example, to children, as well as those who do not marry and do not have a family. In other words, egoists are people who want to live solely for their own sake. The opposite of the egoist is the altruist - an individual who acts primarily for others. Most often, altruists are found among family people. Thus, egoism is an appraisal name for the behavior of an individual whose personal interests come first.
About the origin of the term
According to experts, in the Enlightenment, and it was then that they first talked about this concept, egoism was with a positive emotional color. At that time, they proclaimed rational selfishness, and therefore believed that morality should be based on noble own interests and personal aspirations. It is noteworthy, but in the era of the Enlightenment, morality and spirituality were treated differently than today. These things were then "in trend."
Our days
Of course, today the concepts of morality and spirituality have not depreciated, but they are consciously cultivated much less often, especially among representatives of the younger generation. Nowadays, the word egoism is used more often with a negative emotional color. Nevertheless, as experts are convinced, within reasonable limits, it must necessarily be inherent in modern man. It is not worth denying egoism, but it is also not accepted to extol it, and therefore an intelligent individual will carefully hide and mask this quality.
How egoists behave
Such individuals often cover up their selfish manifestations with altruism. According to experts, there is a very unsteady line between the concepts of “egoism” and “altruism”. This can be observed in a relationship. For example, an individual covers his egoism with love: on the one hand, he cares about his partner, and on the other, he wants to make himself happy.
The manifestations of egoism are very diverse. Some individuals strive for material wealth. These individuals eat deliciously, dress stylishly and regularly go somewhere on vacation. Such an egoist needs comfort in the first place. To ensure a decent life, he has to work hard. This behavior is considered an example of rational egoism. Some selfish individuals want to achieve comfort for themselves, but at the expense of others. Such people want to get a lot of money, but at the same time 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 consciously 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 preferences. Mostly the source of such information is the surrounding people.
What are the differences between egoism and egocentrism
In general, these concepts are very similar. However, there is a difference between selfishness and self-centeredness. It consists in the fact that individuals are differently aware of their attitudes. The egoist chooses to live only for himself completely consciously. The egocentric simply cannot understand that it is possible to act differently. In other words, selfishness is the unwillingness to accept the opinions of other people, and self-centeredness is 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 seeks to do everything only for himself. The egocentric perceives himself as the center of the universe. The attitude in society also differs towards these phenomena. Selfish people are always blamed. For egocentrism, positively colored interpretations are simply not characteristic. The egoist, in pursuit of profit for himself, simply ignores those around him. The egocentric 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 does not need anyone.
For example, if men start relationships with women, and then easily part with them just because they are not happy with something, then this is an example of a typical egocentric. A selfish man can calmly sit unemployed on his wife’s neck.
On the behavior of an egocentric
Such a person sincerely believes in his point of view, considers it the only correct one. The self-centered person does not even know about the existence of different opinions. Rejection can be caused by psychophysiological and social causes. 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.
This behavior leads to frequent conflicts. It is noteworthy that for a egocentric such a concept as a “close person” does not exist. Surrounding people, this type is mainly considered 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 persuade everyone and teach. In the team, such a person thinks that others do him only in spite.
Age framework
According to psychologists, only children can be egocentric if they have not yet reached the age of three. Egocentrism is also considered the norm in individuals who are diagnosed with pathology of the psyche. Thus, egocentrism is due to psychophysiological characteristics. In adults and mentally healthy people, self-centeredness is considered a destructive feature, a sign of an immature person. It may be that in the course of the socialization of the individual, this process is violated. As a result, teenage identification is inadequate. Thus, if during the period of formation of self-consciousness, when the child is looking for the middle 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 develops yet infantilism. Unlike egoism, egocentrism is inherent only in children and people with mental disabilities. Selfishness 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 is noted that the old people practically do not differ from their children in their behavior and thinking.
What is the trouble of egocentrics
Since each person can develop harmoniously, only interacting with other individuals, egocentrists at this stage very often “get stuck”. The fact is that such personalities are limited by the framework of their "I". If the egoist, despite the fact that he understands the feelings of people and knows that he can offend someone with his actions, nevertheless, in pursuit of his own benefit, ignores the interests of others, then the egocentric simply does not know about them. According to psychologists, such an individual himself is in great need of attention, love and recognition. Learning to hear others is possible only by communicating. This requires willpower and patience. If the problem is so serious that it is not possible to cope on your own, then you should attend several sessions of psychotherapy. Their exact number is determined by a specialist after diagnosing a problem. It all depends on how subconscious is running. The psychologist already determines what exactly the person lacks, and begins work in this direction.
Finally
Egocentrism is a kind of credo, a life position, in accordance with which the individual is guided exclusively by his own opinion. Such a person has his own view on any question. The personal opinion of the egocentric is above all for him. Those around him are only a source of wealth. Other people are not part of his world. Of course, in life, an egocentric in rare cases can commit acts that are contrary to his interests. In this he differs from the egoist. Since this type has the courage to take full responsibility, as psychologists say, there are many strong, successful and strong-willed people among egocentrists.