TIL about the philosophical concept of Solipsism: the only thing you can be truly sure exists is the Self.
It's an extreme view, and not many professionals endorse it, but it is an interesting thought!
I don't know if this holds true.. Can one truly be sure the self exists? Can you prove you are not just an AI in a system coded for the illusion of thought/choice?
"I think, therefore I am" sure.. But AI chat bots will also insist they think and 'are'.. But do those 'selfs' actually exist? 🤷♂️
This is one of those philosophical ideas that is ultimately irrelevant to me though, as were kinda forced to accept the world around us is "real" in order to function, whether it actually is or not..
I believe in you 😉
Solipsism in particular, and radically skeptical positions generally, are almost universally rejected by experts in the field and professional philosophers.
Strong solipsistic belief can turn to paranoia or even pronoia depending on what might be happening in a person's life.
Pronoia can then unexpectedly turn to hubris.
Source: I occasionally go off on solipsistic flights of fancy, but then have to reel myself in.
Much like predestination, it's probably not healthy to do nothing / potentially wrong things and assume everything will fall into place.
I learned this one from Solipskier! One of my favorite little flash games from back a few years ago: https://www.kongregate.com/games/Mikengreg/solipskier?acomplete=solipskier