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Gracious Word: Solipsism

4/18/2014

 
Solipsism
Word every Gracious Individual should know: Solipsism

Definition: 
Solipsism (pronounced: SOL-ip-siz-uhm); Latin; noun
1. Philosophy. The theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.
2. Extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one’s feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption.

Why I love this word:
Solipsism entered English in the late 1800s from the Latin solus + ipse literally meaning “alone” + “self.” I have learned that loneliness is mainly caused by not being able to communicate the things important to yourself and being misunderstood by others. But not a lot of people know the difference between loneliness and wanting solitary. 

The capacity to be alone is the capacity to love. It may not make much sense, but only those who are capable of being alone are capable of love, of sharing of going into the deepest core of another person—without possessing the other, without becoming dependent on the other, without reducing the other to a thing, and without becoming addicted to the other. It gives you absolute freedom, because you know that if the other leaves, you will be as happy as you are now. you happiness cannot be taken by another, because it is not given by the other. I’m convinced that time spent idle makes for a healthier state of mind. We want less and are more at peace when we get it. We sleep better and work harder. Simpler things begin to bring us joy. 

To add one more thought; the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.

Photograph by James Fitzgerald III


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    Gracious Words

    With the Word of the Day and the Monthly Book Club, this page is for the intellectual reader or for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary.

    As intellectuals, having a remarkable vocabulary speaks measures. Knowing the right words sharpens communication skills and opens minds to help express ourselves better whether in our personal or professional lives. Practice these Words of the Day and join in on the conversation. 


    Unless indicated ©Mariya Dondonyan, most photos on this page are works of other photographers. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, so every post recognizes the source where the photographs were found. If at anytime you see work that is improperly recognized, please send me a quick note and I will update the information. 
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