What is Egoism?

  Egoism *can* (and often will be) be considered a broad categorization of philosophies that relate, in some way, to the self. "Moral egoism" can be used to describe either a moral system derived axiomatically from the self, or a moral system in which one is morally obligated to act in a way for the purpose of benefiting one's self.

  The term "egoism" carries a lot of semantic baggage that can suggest a variety of connotations, many of which are oppositional in nature. This is in part because "ego" carries connotations ranging from what Freud proposed to new age hippy mumbo jumbo. The terms can suggest an underlying smallest unit of the self, selfishness, or some dark inner counterpart that must be purged via magic mushrooms. None of these are what I want to convey when I discuss egoism, but rather I refer to the philosophical works of Max Stirner.

  I refer to these works not as if they are revelation, as despite their solid philosophical grounding, Stirner's work is not a "tradition." What he wrote is as instructive as the phrase "do what you want." There isn't an expectation of a given outcome, or the realization of an ideal. His work's purpose is not objective claims or conclusions that suggest truth. Instead, they merely deconstruct how we feel obligated to act in certain ways under the pressure of mere ideas. It is deconstructive in nature. It's akin to shining a light on what appears to be a monster, while in the dark of your room, only for it to be a pile of clothes. The illusion of the monster crumbles and we can then act in accordance to the assertion that the monster does, in fact, not exist. Stiner shows how illusionary how many concepts are. When most people think of philosophy they think of people proclaiming what is true. In short, Stirner proclaims which things are false. His most popular book is a fantastic read and has influenced many thinkers since it was published.

  When you deconstruct the notion that you are obligated to do something, you are left with the result that it isn't true. Being absent of obligation, you are the one who gets to set your course and set your actions. You get to be yourself and take the actions you would take. You behave like how a fish swims, it's your nature to be yourself. This part of the site is going to be dedicated to egoistic analysis and deconstruction of various arguments.