Whether or not things exist

[Cato]

Who are some philosophers that I should read who deal with the concept of existence? For instance, a philosopher who might state something like the following: reality is merely perceptions, or nothing can be proven to exist outside one's own perceptions.

Also, are there any philosophers that argue that nothing exists?

Thanks.

You quote Russell. If you are interested in the development of epistemological thought, read from Descartes forward in his 'A History of Western Civilization'.

If I had to recommend just one person for your inquiry it would be Charles Sanders Peirce.