Think Again about the Concept of Alone
A recent remark by a friend about not wanting
to go anywhere, not even to meet with some other authors we know, led me down
today’s wordy path. I teased him that he is on his way to becoming a hermit. He
replied, “I’m okay with that.”
Later, my little pea brain reviewed our
conversation, and I strayed down the yellow brick road, thinking about the
philosophy of aloneness. Taken to the extreme …
SOLIPSISM (sälʹip
siz’ɘm) n. – 1) the theory that the self can be aware of nothing but its own
experiences and states; 2) the theory that nothing exists or is real but the
self. [WW #162]
Hmmm, sounds rather narcissistic doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, solipsism
isn’t any easier to pronounce or understand. Apparently our penchant for self-absorption
is complicated, however you express it.
While narcissism is most often
considered a negative attribute of extreme egotism, solipsism takes that to a whole new
level. Not simply negative snobbery, but to the total exclusion of everyone else.
In reality, solipsism is a fascinating study of the mind.
Further explorations of the word go beyond simple definitions to offer a
conclusion that no one and nothing exists outside of your mind.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not sure how
that might manifest itself, since without others in the world, how could we be
aware of their not existing? How’s
that for double-speak? Gives a whole new meaning to “Mind Your Own Business.”
Wrap that up with Existentialism
and we could retreat to the ‘60s when numerous philosophies nearly drove us crazy. (Some would argue, “nearly”?!)
It is good, however, to explore different
philosophies, in order to understand those who certainly exist outside of our
minds (and some within). Without learning and exploring, we are not living.
Word Challenge: SOLIPSISM. Explore the philosophies of the world, but choose your beliefs carefully and wisely. Follow your
heart and trust your intuition, as you fit solipsism into your week of contemplative
writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and
it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost simple joy. Do you feel
that way too? Share your comments below, about Wordplay Wednesday or learning in general. What’s
your inspiration?
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of
three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll
Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon, … The Psychedelic
Seventies!
E-N-D
