Simple really, ego being Latin for ‘I’ (as in I walked down the street)
An Egotist is one wholly obsessed with themselves, lacking any kind of social responsibility bar when it relates to the egotist in question. To an egotist, they are the center of the universe, all events should further their pleasure and everything can only be compared to them.
It is, however, a frightfully overlooked subject. People branded egotists are considered ‘irresponsible’ because they try to further themselves. While this is partially true, to pass of egotism as a trifle removes any chance of understanding the vital role egotism plays in the human mind.
A young child, you may have observed, considers himself or herself to be the center of the universe. This is how they learn. Every child compares everything they see to themselves, noting differences. Thus they learn who they are, what they can do, how things are done and that they are not the center of the universe. This last revelation is what we consider becoming mature. It also accounts for why ‘mature’ people find it more difficult to learn.
A child sees something they have never seen before done. They compare their ability at the action to that which they have seen, testing it against their only standard – themselves. Thus they are egotists.
An older person tends to rank things against other things, rather than against themselves. An older person watching a sporting match would probably compare player against player, rather than using themselves as criteria. While adults can be conceited, generally they have enough experience to judge things against other things.
Note the key word there – generally.
To a certain extent, everyone is an egotist. Secretly, often we feel that we are the best to our ability, and many things we fail at are out of our control. This is a form of egotism, but more out of choice and used as a method of self-assurance rather than criteria for judgment.
I have known, however, a few true egotists, perhaps you have too. While this trait is useful (albeit annoying) in the young it is absurd in the old, a sign of great immaturity.
You must pity the true egotists though, for he can never love another.
How can he love another? In love we give ourselves to something greater, and we see the one we love at least as an equal (usually). The egotist sees everything else in comparison with him, and sees himself as the best of all. He can love none but himself, a lonely existence to say the least.
Egotism does play an important part in identity; it gives us individuality and courage. Both admirable traits in good measure, but dangerous in extremes. Individuality becomes selfishness and courage becomes audacity. The Egotist revels in these qualities.
To understand the world, to understand life and love and mind and matter we must accept that we are a part of something. Never give up who you are, but never forget that there are other people, other people with desires and fears. Let your thoughts be your own and for the right reasons, yet don’t starkly refuse others beliefs. Challenge them yes! And let them challenge your beliefs. To truly understand one must understand that the other side of an argument is valid while still being willing to challenge it and, most importantly, willing to challenge one’s own beliefs.
Egotists keep us from truth; they are unable to question themselves.
Question yourself, but never forget who you are.
Leonardo