So I don't think a topic has been created to seriously focus on this, and if it has been, it was a LONG time ago, so may as well bring this up. The reason why I got into the Persona series in the first place is not for the fun anime style and JRPG gameplay (though I still enjoy those parts) but the greater symbolism and philosophy that inspired the games. For those unaware, the series draws heavily from the work of Carl Jung, a psychoanalyst who was one of the first major thinkers to break off from the work of Freud. So much of the game draws on these ideas, and I find it absolutely fascinating. But there are of course other ideas in the series as well, such as the heavy presence of Gnosticism in Persona 5, and the work of Descartes's famous "Cogito, ergo sum" or "I think, therefore I am" I'd like to dedicate this thread to discussion about these deeper inspirations and meanings, as well as any personal interpretations of certain topics you find particularly powerful. I know I'll be putting stuff here as I go through the games myself (I've only been into the series since April, and I've only experienced P3 and P5 so far) so if anything this will be fun for me to look back on. And this isn't just limited to Persona either. If you have interesting points you'd like to bring up on the greater Megami Tensei series as a whole, please do so! Feel free to ask questions about interpretation or things you would like greater clarity on. To the best of my abilities, I (and maybe others as well) will offer my perspective on it. The last thing I have to say is please tag all spoilers regarding any game, whether it be Persona, Megaten, whatever. Its jerkish, and since I myself am going through the games, I'd like to remain as blind as possible. Ok lets get started!