The Cult of the Ego by Eugene Goodheart

The Cult of the Ego

Author: Eugene Goodheart
Published by: The University of Chicago Press
Edition: 1970
Pages: 225

In The Cult of the Ego, Eugene Goodheart delves into the intellectual history of individualism, analyzing how the elevation of the self has influenced literature, criticism, and philosophical discourse. The book traces the development of ego-centered thought, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, where the notion of the autonomous self became a dominant theme in Western culture.

Goodheart discusses the ways in which literary figures and critics have celebrated, questioned, and deconstructed the idea of the self. He engages with works of key writers and thinkers, exploring how they contribute to the larger philosophical debate about egoism, identity, and artistic integrity. From Romanticism to Existentialism, the book explores different movements that have placed the individual at the center of artistic and intellectual pursuits.

A central argument of the book is that the modern fascination with the ego has led to both a liberation of personal expression and a crisis of meaning. As literature and criticism increasingly focus on the self as the primary source of value, Goodheart questions whether this emphasis enhances or limits our understanding of the world. He critiques how the literary tradition has both celebrated and problematized self-centered perspectives, offering insights into the balance between personal experience and broader cultural narratives.

Goodheart’s analysis is deeply rooted in literary criticism, drawing on key texts from modern literature and philosophy. His work is an essential contribution to discussions on the role of the individual in intellectual history, making it particularly valuable for students of literature, philosophy, and cultural studies.

• Explores the rise of individualism in modern literature and thought.

• Examines how the self has been portrayed and debated in literary and philosophical traditions.

• Discusses the impact of Romanticism, Existentialism, and other movements on ego-centered thinking.

• Analyzes the consequences of prioritizing the self in artistic and intellectual discourse.

• Offers a critique of how modern literature and criticism engage with the concept of egoism.

• Essential reading for students and scholars of literary criticism, philosophy, and cultural studies.