1. Political Ideals and Freedom: Brutus was a strong supporter of the Roman Republic and its traditional values of liberty and civic virtue. He believed that Caesar had become too powerful, threatening the balance of power in the Senate and potentially leading to the collapse of the Republic. Brutus valued the preservation of the Republic over personal loyalties or friendships.
2. Preservation of the Republic: Brutus feared that Caesar's ambition for absolute power would eventually result in the loss of the Republic's democratic institutions. He saw the assassination as a necessary measure to prevent Caesar from becoming a tyrant and restoring the traditional balance of power in Rome.
3. Moral Obligations and Friendship: Despite his close personal friendship with Caesar, Brutus felt compelled by a higher moral duty to act in the best interests of Rome. He believed that his love for the Republic transcended personal emotions, leading him to prioritize the well-being of the state above his friendship with Caesar.
4. Influence of Cassius and the Conspirators: Brutus was influenced by other prominent figures in the conspiracy, particularly his brother-in-law Gaius Cassius Longinus. Cassius played a significant role in convincing Brutus to join the plot by appealing to his sense of duty, honor, and the potential consequences of Caesar's rule.
5. Philosophical Beliefs: Brutus was deeply influenced by Stoic philosophy, which emphasized personal integrity and self-sacrifice for the greater good. His philosophical convictions aligned with the notion that the welfare of the state should come before individual interests or personal alliances.
It's important to note that these factors are often interwoven, and Brutus's decision to participate in the assassination was a complex and deeply personal choice that arose from his love for Rome, his commitment to Republican ideals, and his sense of moral obligation to preserve the Republic's freedoms and traditions.