Solipsism and The problem of other minds

[mhss1992]

As a matter of fact, all of the existence you know is your perception. Everything you experience is inside your mind.

When you think about it, you realize that there's no way you can be sure whether there really is an objective reality or not. You also can't be sure whether the people around you, despite their behavior, actually feel or think at all like you do.

Even though they look similar to you and act in a similar way to you, everything could still be a very well done illusion to make you believe that there are others like you, when, in fact, you're the only thing in existence, other than whatever's responsible for this illusion.

Most people completely ignore this subject, but it has always fascinated me.

Have you ever had solipsist thoughts? That is, have you ever considered the possibility that existence and your mind are the same?

I have seriously considered this. It souds insane, I know. But why does it sound insane? Why, despite the fact that both possibilities are absolutely impossible to prove, people choose to believe in an external reality with other minds? Are the reasons behind this entirely emotional or simply instinctive? It's certainly easier to live when you treat people like they have minds.

I do admit, though, that the thought that you're completely alone in existence can cause extreme despair and loneliness, but it somehow gives a notion of power as well.