Flaw Of Egoism

Egoism is based on the principle that looking out for one’s own needs is the morally correct thing to do in all situations therefore it “equates morality with self-interest” (57). The egoist is commonly thought of as someone who relishes in short term pleasures, but that definition is not a true philosophical egoist. The philosophical egoist has their interest in mind at all times, short term and long term. For instance, the paradox of hedonism requires an egoist to please the needs of others in certain circumstances so that they will ultimately benefit from that person. An egoist understands the need for sacrifice to profit in the long run. In addition, they are wary of big risks that may threaten their happiness or pleasure in the future. There are two main types of egoists: a personal egoist and a universal

The personal egoist believes that egoism is morally right for them, but is not interested in telling other people to become egoists. The universal egoist, on the other hand, believes that egoism is morally correct for all and encourages others to adopt this philosophy. The main flaw in the universal egoists philosophy is that they are also looking out for others and encouraging them to follow what they believe to be the best moral compass. This is problematic, though, because if everyone believes in egoism it is harder for each individual to get what he or she wants. A “true” egoist would not want everyone to be because it would limit their abilities to succeed or be happy, and that, after all, is the point of their philosophy. Thomas Hobbes went so far as to say that people, at their core, are egoists and that altruism doesn’t really exist. He theorized that behind every “selfless” action there was an ulterior, selfish motive. He even condemned acts of heroism, like saving someone from a burning building, because while the hero may take a large risk, the reward is