Misunderstanding egoism

Egoism, as a common definition goes, is excessive concern with oneself. Excessive, by what standard?

So, what is the word for the basic concept of concern with oneself? making sure you don't get killed, you don't get robbed, you don't get run over by a truck when crossing the road, you don't miss out on romantic love, you don't read boring magazines, you don't eat rotten food, you drink good wine, you wash your hands, you plan your future, you save for rainy days, you travel to interesting places, you develop rewarding friendships? egoism.

Where did the excessive come from? a cultural bias against self-interest, a mystical emphasis on altruism, an assumption that sacrifice for the sake of others is the unquestionable norm. But cynical egoism is the twin of altruism, the use of others as sacrificial fodder for oneself. Egoism by itself is neither excessive nor insufficient.

The properly self-centered man, one who does not buckle at the knees when accused of arrogance or conceit, this man will proudly wear the radical badge of egoist. Radical today, because the virtue of selfishness has been vilified by worshippers of death.