Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Egoism \E"go*ism\, n. [F. ['e]go["i]sme, fr. L. -ego I. See {I},
   and cf. {Egotism}.]
   1. (Philos.) 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.

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

Source : WordNet®

egoism
     n : attempting to get personal recognition for yourself
         (especially by unacceptable means) [syn: {egocentrism}, {self-interest},
          {self-concern}, {self-centeredness}] [ant: {altruism}]