What is Solipsism? (And Why You Should Hope It Isn’t True)

Have you ever wondered if the entire world exists only in your mind? That your friends, family, even this article—are nothing more than projections of your consciousness? This unsettling idea is known as solipsism, one of the most radical (and controversial) positions in philosophy. At its core, solipsism forces us to question what we can truly know about reality. And while it can be fascinating as a thought experiment, you might find yourself hoping it isn’t actually true.

NON-STOIC PHILOSOPHIES

9/15/20252 min read

Defining Solipsism

Solipsism is the philosophical idea that only one’s own mind is sure to exist. Everything outside—people, the physical world, even time itself—might just be an illusion created by your consciousness.

Key features of solipsism:

Extreme subjectivity: Reality exists only as it appears to you.
Doubt of external reality: Other people might just be parts of your mind.
Isolation of the self: If true, you are completely alone in the universe.

It’s like living inside a dream where you can never be fully sure what (or who) is real.

Why Philosophers Debate It

Solipsism is rarely embraced as a serious philosophy of life—yet it remains important because:

It highlights the limits of human knowledge: we rely on perception and cannot step outside our mind to “verify” reality.
It challenges assumptions in epistemology (the study of knowledge).
It forces reflection on consciousness: is our experience of the world proof enough that it exists?

Thinkers like René Descartes brushed against solipsism with his “I think, therefore I am,” which only proves the certainty of self, not anything external.

Why You Should Hope It Isn’t True

On the surface, solipsism might sound almost empowering—I create everything, the world depends on me! But if carried to its conclusion, it becomes extremely bleak.

No real connection: If others don’t exist, then love, friendship, and family are nothing more than lonely self‑illusions.
No shared meaning: Art, culture, and history lose their depth if they are just creations of your mind.
No escape from self: You become trapped in eternal isolation, unable to confirm any reality beyond your own thoughts.

Put simply: a solipsistic world would be a painfully lonely one.

The Optimistic Response to Solipsism

While solipsism can’t be disproven outright, most philosophers find it unhelpful and impractical. Why?

The best explanation for your experiences is that there really is a world beyond you.
Relationships and shared experiences feel too rich and unpredictable to be self‑generated.
Living as if others are real gives fuller meaning, purpose, and happiness than living solipsistically.

Even if we can’t prove reality beyond ourselves, living in trust of others makes life infinitely more meaningful.

Key Takeaways

Solipsism is the belief that only your own mind is certain to exist.
It questions the reality of the external world and other people.
While intriguing, a solipsistic universe would mean permanent isolation.
Philosophers argue it’s better—and more reasonable—to live as if the external world is real.

Final Thoughts

Solipsism is one of philosophy’s most haunting thought experiments. It makes us pause and realize how fragile our knowledge of reality truly is. But it also shows why connection—shared meaning, friendship, love—feels so vital.

So while we cannot disprove solipsism, one thing is clear: life is far richer, more vibrant, and more human when we hope it isn’t true.