From an early age, I wrestled with the possibility that I might be the only real person in existence. The idea of solipsism, that only my own mind can be known to exist, was both fascinating and unsettling. But as I explored the implications in my last blog, I realized that solipsism, while an interesting thought experiment, eventually leads nowhere. If we can’t prove other minds exist, what should we do? Should we give up on meaning altogether? Or is there another way forward?

This is where absurdism comes in. Absurdism, a philosophy coined by Albert Camus, suggests that while the universe is indifferent and life lacks inherent meaning, we should continue to engage with it anyway. Unlike nihilism, which sees meaninglessness as a reason for despair, absurdism argues that we should embrace the absurdity of existence and live despite it. This perspective offers a far more practical and liberating way to navigate uncertainty than solipsism ever could.

The Absurd

Absurdism is built on what Camus called “the absurd,” the fundamental conflict between our desire for meaning and the universe’s silence in response. We naturally seek purpose, order, and certainty, but the world offers none. This contradiction can lead to existential dread. But Camus argues that instead of trying to escape it, we should acknowledge and accept it.

Solipsism and absurdism both originate from the same underlying problem: uncertainty. If solipsism asks, “How can we know anything beyond our own mind?” absurdism asks, “How can we live in a world that offers no clear answers?” But where solipsism isolates us in doubt, absurdism pushes us to act anyway. It tells us that, despite life’s lack of inherent meaning, we can still create our own sense of purpose.

Living with Absurdity

Camus famously uses the story of Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, as a metaphor for human existence. Instead of viewing Sisyphus’ fate as a tragedy, Camus argues that we must imagine him happy. Why? Because Sisyphus finds meaning in the act of rolling the rock itself—despite knowing it will never lead anywhere. This is what embracing absurdity looks like: continuing to live, create, and experience joy, even without ultimate purpose.

If solipsism leads to paralysis—questioning reality until nothing feels real—absurdism leads to engagement. It allows us to acknowledge that life may be meaningless while still finding fulfillment in relationships, creativity, and experience. Rather than asking if life has meaning, absurdism suggests we ask, “How can I live fully despite the lack of inherent meaning?”

Choosing Absurdism Over Solipsism

Looking back, my fascination with solipsism was really a search for certainty. I wanted proof that others were real, that my experiences were grounded in reality. But in time, I realized that certainty is impossible. The world doesn’t provide absolute answers. And yet, rather than retreat into skepticism, absurdism offers an alternative; to live without needing certainty.

Choosing absurdism over solipsism is an act of protest against meaninglessness. Instead of being discouraged over what we cannot know, we embrace the world as it is, uncertain, chaotic, but still rich with experiences. Life may not come with built in meaning, but we can still find joy, purpose, and connection. The absurd is not something to be feared; it is something to be accepted, and maybe even celebrated.