Egoism vs. Narcissism — What's the Difference?

Egoism is the philosophy concerned with the role of the self, or ego, as the motivation and goal of one's own action. Different theories on egoism encompass a range of disparate ideas and can generally be categorized into descriptive or normative forms.

Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one's idealised self-image and attributes. The term originated from Greek mythology, where a young man named Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.

The doctrine that human behavior is motivated by self-interest.

Excessive preoccupation with or admiration of oneself.

The belief that self-interest provides the proper basis for moral behavior.

A personality disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Also called narcissistic personality disorder.

Egotism; conceit.

Pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one's own body or self, considered in psychoanalytic theory to be a fixation on or a regression to an infantile stage of development.

The tendency to think selfishly with exclusive self-interest in mind.

Excessive love of oneself.

(ethics) The belief that moral behavior should be directed toward one's self-interest only.

Sexual desire for one's own body.

Egotism tendency to talk excessively about oneself.

An exceptional interest in and admiration for oneself.

The doctrine of certain extreme adherents or disciples of Descartes and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, which finds all the elements of knowledge in the ego and the relations which it implies or provides for.

An exceptional interest in and admiration for yourself

Excessive love and thought of self; the habit of regarding one's self as the center of every interest; selfishness; - opposed to altruism.

Attempting to get personal recognition for yourself (especially by unacceptable means)