Solipsism (i/ˈsɒlɨpsɪzəm/; from Latin solus, meaning “alone”, and ipse, meaning “self”)[1] is the philosophical idea that only one’s own mind is sure to exist. As an epistemological position, solipsism holds that knowledge of anything outside one’s own mind is unsure; the external world and other minds cannot be known, and might not exist outside the mind. As a metaphysical position, solipsism goes further to the conclusion that the world and other minds do not exist. extreme egocentrism!

What is Anti-Solipsism?

When I was in college and studying religion at one stage I began to delve into Hinduism. My professor at the time had this to say about “Western thought”…I am paraphrasing here so bare with me: “To be or not to be… What a stupid question… We are or we are not, now get on with it!”

He prefaced that by saying “Western philosophy asks the wrong question”. It shows it’s own immaturity by denying the basic truth of our existence… Some have even gone on so far as to say this was a convenient way of explaining away the atrocities we as a society are able to commit… But that is a very long conversation.

Anti-Solipsism is my attempt at putting others needs ahead of my own. I grew up in the “me” generation and I know my own selfish ego. It seems to me all that is wrong with the world comes from our extreme selfishness. It is as if we fear being left out, as if there will be nothing left if we do not attempt to take it all, first. How can we hope to build a future if we lay claim to all of existence in perpetuity? Thereby defining that which is meant to be immeasurable.

All this leads me to a great experience I encountered on the road with our band. Our second night in a hotel was spent in Augsburg at the GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS. We had stayed there a year ago when it was under construction. At the time I was under the impression that it was an artist collective. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Upon our return I found this hotel still a bit of a work in progress but the scope of their vision had broadened to such an extent that I can only do it justice by letting them explain it in their own words…

Here are some quotes from their project description:

The GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS is no ordinary hotel and it does not try to be. It is a place that combines refugee accommodations, artist’s studios and open work spaces as well as a hotel offering culinary and cultural attractions.”

“THE GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS IS
A CONCRETE UTOPIA – REALISING A COSMOPOLITAN EVERYDAY CULTURE WITHOUT LIMITS WHERE REFUGEES, TRAVELLERS, GUESTS, ARTISTS AND NEIGHBOURS MEET AND ARE WELCOME.”

“Everything centers on the human being and our ability to shape and transform the world.”

For more from the Artists and organizers themselves visit their website: https://grandhotelcosmopolis.wordpress.com

This place is just the type of inspiration I needed, Artist coming together with the local government and the broader community to create a space where all can share and work together. Donations by local business and the labor of volunteers has created a very special place that all in that community can be proud of.

Thank you for the memories and the affirmation of our convictions…

The GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS is the physical embodiment of “Anti-Solipsism” because it is a selfless effort born of the want to share the resources and natural gifts to which we all should have the right.

GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS…

GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS…

GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS…

GRANDHOTEL COSMOPOLIS…