"Egotism, n: Doing the New York Times crossword puzzle with a pen"

Egotism is a term used to describe somebody who is overly self-centered and concentrated on their own accomplishments. In this quote, Ambrose Bierce is using the term to explain someone who is so confident in their own capabilities that they want to do the New York Times crossword puzzle with a pen. This suggests that the person is so sure of their own intelligence and skills that they are willing to handle an obstacle that the majority of people would use a pencil for, as mistakes can be quickly erased. This quote is a humorous method of highlighting the conceit of someone who is extremely positive in their own abilities. It is a tip to not take ourselves too seriously and to be modest in our successes.