Solipsist

A solipsist is an individual who believes that only their own mind is sure to exist. They hold the philosophical view that the self is all that can be known to exist, and that external reality and other minds are uncertain or potentially nonexistent. This belief stems from skepticism about the ability to verify the existence of anything outside one's own subjective experiences. The solipsistic perspective often leads to questions about the nature of consciousness, perception, and the possibility of genuine knowledge about the world. It can manifest as a detachment from social interactions and a focus on internal thoughts and feelings, as the external world is considered secondary or even unreal. This philosophy can range from a tentative acceptance of subjective experience as the primary reality to a complete denial of the reality of anything beyond the individual's own consciousness.

Solipsist meaning with examples

• John, consumed by his thoughts, seemed a solipsist. During conversations, his gaze often drifted inward, and his responses seemed disconnected, as if he questioned the reality of those around him. He found genuine connections difficult because he doubted the independent existence of others' feelings. He spent most of his time in isolation, delving deep into philosophical questions, viewing his own mental landscape as the only place where true certainty could be found, leading him further into his solipsistic bubble.
• After a near-death experience, Sarah began to lean toward solipsism, her perception changed. The experiences shook her understanding of reality. This caused her to question the validity of external events, focusing intensely on the subjective nature of life. She became withdrawn from friends and family, finding interactions superficial, convinced that their reality may be an illusion. This shifted the way she perceived the world around her, convinced only her feelings were true and valid in the face of the unknown.
• The artist's disturbing paintings were interpretations of his own world, reflecting the worldview of a solipsist. He rejected the notion that his work needed external validation or societal commentary, as his inner life seemed sufficient. His art explored the boundaries of existence. The intense, self-referential nature of his work was interpreted as a manifestation of solipsism, suggesting the universe revolved around the self. The audience was left to question the deeper meaning and origin of his creations.
• Following the tragedy, Michael retreated into himself, appearing as a solipsist. He became detached from his friends. He found it increasingly difficult to connect with others and grew weary of the world. He began to express beliefs, indicating everything perceived was an illusion. His focus turned to scrutinizing his own mental states, questioning the reality of external existence, and believing his pain was the only true reality that mattered. His family worried he would never emerge.
• The protagonist in the sci-fi novel presented a compelling portrayal of a solipsist. After years of isolation on a remote planet, his perceptions became skewed, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. He only accepted his subjective experience and questioned if the planet was actually there. His interactions with the artificial intelligence hinted at deep-seated doubt, and the character believed the AI's reality could be as fictional as his own. He sought his true self and his true reality, as he had a deep conviction in solipsism.