egoism

• the habit of valuing everything only in reference to one's personal interest; selfishness (opposed to altruism).
• egotism or conceit.
• Ethics. the view that morality ultimately rests on self-interest.

egoism

• a. The ethical doctrine that morality has its foundations in self-interest. b. The ethical belief that self-interest is the just and proper motive for all human conduct.
• Excessive preoccupation with one's own well-being and interests, usually accompanied by an inflated sense of self-importance.

egoism

• the tendency to evaluate everything in relation to one's own interests; self-centeredness (Cf. altruism).
• excessive self-esteem; conceitedness; egotism.
• in ethics, the doctrine that morality is based on self-interest.

egocentric

• having or regarding the self or the individual as the center of all things: Example: an egocentric philosophy that ignores social causes.
• having little or no regard for interests, beliefs, or attitudes other than one's own; self-centered: Example: an egocentric person; egocentric demands upon the time and patience of others.
• an egocentric person.

Machiavelli and egoism

The Prince is a guide how someone can become and stay a prince. The interest of a prince is always considered first. Other people are considered only if it will lead to an eventual benefit for the prince too.

Suggestions in The Prince are justified according to how it serves the interest of a prince.