1. Personal Tragedy and Pain: Jigsaw himself suffered from a life-threatening medical condition and underwent intense physical pain. He developed a pessimistic view of the world, believing that people only truly understand the value of life when they experience extreme suffering. He sees his actions as a means to force individuals to confront their own mortality and make meaningful changes.
2. Moral Philosophy and Judgment: Jigsaw considers himself a judge of human nature and morality. He designs elaborate traps and scenarios to test the will, courage, and integrity of his victims. In his distorted worldview, these traps serve as symbolic lessons, challenging individuals to confront their past actions and make amends before they die.
3. Desire for Control: Jigsaw feels a sense of empowerment in manipulating and controlling the lives of others. He carefully orchestrates his traps and games to ensure that his victims have a chance to survive if they prove themselves worthy. This sense of control gives him a twisted sense of purpose and superiority over those he targets.
4. Legacy and Influence: Jigsaw's desire for influence extends beyond his own lifetime. He leaves recordings and messages for his victims and the authorities, detailing his philosophies and justifications for his actions. He wants to imprint his views on society, hoping that others will continue his "legacy" and adopt his methods to confront complacency and apathy.
5. Psychological Manipulation: Jigsaw employs psychological techniques to break down the mental and emotional defenses of his victims. He uses fear, guilt, and the threat of imminent death to push individuals beyond their limits, blurring the line between life and death.
It is important to note that Jigsaw's actions are portrayed in the films as deeply disturbed and unequivocally evil. His methods are never endorsed or justified, and he serves as a cautionary figure representing the dangers of extremism, moral absolutism, and the abuse of power.