Psychological egoism is a theory in psychology that suggests all human actions are motivated by self-interest. According to this view, even seemingly altruistic behaviors, such as helping others, are ultimately driven by personal benefits, like feeling good about oneself or gaining social approval. This perspective implies that individuals cannot act against their own self-interest, as every decision is influenced by the desire for personal gain. Critics argue that this theory oversimplifies human motivation and overlooks the complexity of emotions and social connections that can lead to genuinely selfless actions.