In brief, egoism in its modern interpretation, is the antithesis, not of altruism, but of idealism.

Paper currency has hitherto been regarded with suspicion, as insecure.

However near and dear to you may be your wife, children, friends, they are not you; they are outside of you.

Large sums were paid for the use of money, because the available amount of gold and silver was far less than was needed to carry on the commercial transactions of the times.

Your thoughts and emotions are yours alone.

But egoism is more than this. It is the realization by the individual that he is above all institutions and all formulas; that they exist only so far as he chooses to make them his own by accepting them.

There is no other who experiences your thoughts or your feelings.