Fallout: New Vegas - The Philosophy of Caesar

The narrator shares their journey of analyzing Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and its adaptations, during a challenging period in their life. Struggling with mental health and finding parallels in the characters' dark thoughts, the narrator sought understanding of the 'Heart of Darkness'. They discovered it represents the suppressed animalistic side of humans that can emerge during despairing times. The narrative extends to how great heroes and villains in literature and media, such as Colonel Kurtz in 'Apocalypse Now' and Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, struggle with this darkness. The villains' failure to control their inner darkness and the choice to embrace it is highlighted as a critical aspect of their character development. The piece ends with the narrator's curiosity about other villains inspired by Kurtz, leading to the discovery of Caesar from 'Fallout New Vegas', whose creation was influenced by Kurtz’s character.

The narrator outlines the backstory of Edward Sallow, who becomes Caesar in 'Fallout New Vegas'. After his father's death, Edward and his mother are taken in by the Followers of the Apocalypse. Edward's education and a chance encounter with historical texts set him on a path of transformation. Captured by the Blackfoot tribe, he uses his knowledge to become a leader and conqueror, adopting the name Caesar and establishing a brutal regime. This transformation reflects a parallel to Colonel Kurtz's disillusionment and moral descent. The narrator critiques the New California Republic (NCR), the society Caesar grew up in, for its corruption and inefficiency, which Edward, now Caesar, sees as justification for his actions. The segment discusses how Caesar's rule and philosophical justifications reflect a deeper struggle with morality and power.

This section delves into Caesar's use of Hegelian dialectics to justify his rule and the brutality of his Legion in 'Fallout New Vegas'. It explains the philosophical tradition of idealism, focusing on how our perceptions shape reality. Hegel’s concept that reality is shaped by our ideas, leading to the evolution of society through dialectical conflicts, is explored as the foundation of Caesar's philosophy. The narrator critically assesses the implications of Hegel's ideas, highlighting the problem of negating human choice and the assumption that each dialectical conflict will lead to a superior synthesis. The discussion points out the limitations of Caesar's application of these principles, particularly in his refusal to adapt or learn from defeat, illustrating a flawed understanding of synthesis.

This paragraph scrutinizes the practical outcomes of Caesar's adherence to Hegelian dialectics in 'Fallout New Vegas', particularly in the context of his legion's defeat at the Battle of Hoover Dam. It critiques Caesar's rigid refusal to incorporate long-range warfare into his military strategy, highlighting a missed opportunity for synthesis between his and the NCR's tactics. The narrator argues that Caesar's selective application of Hegelian synthesis reveals a deeper unwillingness to compromise or evolve, questioning the legitimacy of his justifications for brutality and the suppression of societal development within the Legion. The analysis underscores the inherent contradictions in Caesar's philosophy and his failure to achieve a true dialectical synthesis.

In the concluding paragraph, the narrator reflects on the broader implications of their analysis, emphasizing the danger of being led by destructive ideologies. The comparison between fictional villains and potential real-life tyrants illustrates how valid criticisms can be twisted to justify extreme actions. The narrator shares a personal revelation about the importance of conscious self-reflection and the rejection of ideas that seek to control us. By embracing synthesis in a genuine sense, the narrator advocates for a thoughtful examination of all ideas, aiming to extract good while recognizing and addressing the inner darkness that exists within us all. The section closes with acknowledgments to individuals who contributed to the narrator's insights and an invitation to explore more content on their gaming podcast.