I once tried to start a new support group for solipsists, but found that no one would show up. If you do not know what solipsists are, then that will not be the slightest bit comical. If, however, you happen to know that solipsists are those who do not believe that anyone else in the world exists except themselves, then you should be able to see the problems behind starting a "solipsists support group". Maybe I should have tried to start a club and call it the "Solipsists Society of America" (?).
Although I have never met someone who claimed to be a solipsist (nor, I suppose, would they say that they have met me either!), it appears that a large percentage of American society lives like practical solipsists. "I am the only person in this universe and I do not care about anyone else" seems to be the rallying cry of many people today. There are many ways that this shows its ugly head, but the most noticeable is a general behavior that we would politely call "inconsiderate". The basic principle of being inconsiderate toward others is the same as that present in solipsism. When we fail to consider others in just one instance, we are essentially behaving like a solipsist ("I am the only one here").
It does not take a genius to pause and ask yourself how the things that you are doing will impact other people. Now, of course, I will admit that there are times when we do things that are inconsiderate toward others that are very difficult to foresee, but those are few and far between. In general we can ask ourselves the golden rule: do I want others to treat me this way? That really is the heart of the matter, is it not? Considering how our actions effect others seems to be a forgotten art. In fact, while admitting that children are not born being considerate towards others, the majority of children today are not only disrespectful towards others, they are inconsiderate in ways and degrees that are unknown for much of history.
I have already referred to the impact that the public schools have on children today. This problem of people being selfishly inconsiderate has caused me to wonder if "solipsism" is a required class in public schools today. It is certainly an underlying principle in the curriculum! I know parents who (for one reason or another) have their children in the public schools and are completely exasperated because the children behave as though there is no authority over them in the entire world, and that they are the only being who matters (i.e. solipsism). It is sad to have to admit it, but this is what we have degenerated into.
With this problem being so widespread, it behooves us (yes, I said "behooves") to stand out all the more. Going back to the basics (which I have said many times) we all (especially children!) need to learn that "there is a God, and you are not Him". Do not miss the fact that the problem of being inconsiderate towards other people is only a consequence of the bigger problem. The larger issue at hand is being inconsiderate toward God (which, by the way, when it is done in the Mass, it is a horrendous sin). When people behave as "practical-atheists" it is only a small step to becoming "practical-solipsists". Their fate will be remarkably in accord with their behavior: eternal separation from God, and an agonizing loneliness that can never be overcome.
Let us each do some serious self-examination, and parents ought to think about this issue with each of their children as well. The very root and heart of our faith is the greatest commandments, to love God and neighbor. Solipsists love no one but self, and only those things that please self. As Christmas approaches, we will be thinking more and more about the birth of Christ; that event where God the Father gave His Son to us for our salvation. This is that event where He Who did not need us at all, thought about us more than we have ever thought about Him, and started the process that led to the ultimate sacrifice for our good. Will we continue to live focused entirely on self, or will we recognize that we are God's creatures, made to love Him and others?
