Do You Know What Egotism Exactly Means?
Although many people think so, the term egotism is not synonymous with egoism. In literature before the nineteenth century, these two terms were almost always used interchangeably. However, in the field of psychology, the current meaning is different.
Although egotism, like egoism, is related to the concept of ‘I’ and ‘ego’, it does not refer to selfish people who always think only of themselves and never consider anyone else.
According to Merriam-Webster, egotism is “an exaggerated sense of self-importance.” It can also be described as an insatiable desire to show others their own interest, regardless of whether the egotist has reasons for determining this interest for himself. Often, however, this is not the case.
An egotist is someone who does not pay attention to what is happening to the people around him. He also tends to ignore the needs of the people he lives with because he thinks his own problems and needs are more important than those of others.
His lack of empathy makes him see other people as means to an end – his goal. Extreme egotism is also a distinguishing feature of type B personality disorders, mainly histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders.
Characteristics of an egotistical personality
Selfish people have tremendous confidence and self-esteem
To be successful in life it is important to have the right level of self-confidence. However, too much self-confidence makes you arrogant. Egotists assume that everyone is wrong and are often unable to recognize the achievements of others.
The egotist wants a lot. And from time to time he says things like, “I’m not denying it: there are times when I talk to myself… because sometimes I need expert advice.” He says it like it’s a joke, but secretly he really believes in it.
In short, egotism prevents us from learning more about ourselves. Why bother to change if we think we’re perfect anyway? In that sense, it’s worth remembering these words from Jillian Michaels: “A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul.”
They live in fantasy worlds
Selfish people think a lot about the great things they will all have in the future. Their projects are therefore mainly based on how to impress others the most.
They tend to embellish things to increase the interest of others. In general, they also tend to exaggerate and dramatize most aspects of their lives.
They have a ‘difficult’ personality
Egotists only consider their perspective. Usually they are convinced that they know exactly how things should be done and how others should behave. When things don’t go “the way they should,” they feel like they’ve lost control and that annoys them.
These people don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. They view disagreements as manifestations of aggression and are capable of disrupting the peace of everyone around them until everything goes the way they want.
They have low self-esteem
It seems contradictory, but it isn’t. Egotism makes people try to hide their own insecurity to avoid rejection.
Selfish ones usually do this by pretending to be more capable than they really are. They try to maintain an image that they believe is perfect. And above all, they never try to lose control of a situation.
Egotism in Gestalt Therapy
Egotism is also one of the neurotic mechanisms Gestalt therapy deals with: its main function is to increase and strengthen contact with other people by narcissistically elevating the ego.
This mechanism is stimulated within Gestalt therapy during the therapeutic process, while the patient must be responsible for his needs. It helps reduce inhibition and encourages self-help.
