Caligula, Act I

Camus demonstrates Caligula's heart by placing him at the intersection of the desire for the impossible, in his case the moon, and reality. Caligula seems to draw a certain vigor from this intersection, as shown in his conversation with Helicon. Caligula argues that the impossible goals we set mustn't be dismissed as a waste of time, but instead should be pursued and seen through to the end. He adds that logic (or reason) is all that is needed and should be maintained at all costs. The implication here is that Caligula is an intelligent person with a basic understanding of his existence, unlike the other emperors described by the patricians.

The patricians think Caligula is young and naive. They say that he is too artistic, and they label him as a misfit in the great line of Roman emperors. They say that he should put aside all else except his role as a public servant. They did, however, like the fact that he was inexperienced because it gave them greater influence over him.
While the nobles' observations of Caligula are mostly correct, I disagree with their position on Caligula. They see him in a largely negative light, because he is unlike the emperors of the past. But, if the descriptions of those emperors were accurate, I think Caligula should be viewed positively. He is immersed in the great questions of our human existence, and quality that should be embraced among emperors. How should the kingdom contain happy people if its ruler leads an unhappy life? To address the statement that Caligula should be more of a public servant, I quote Caligula on page 9: "I wish men to live by the light of truth. And I've the power to make them do so." This discourse shows that he is indeed the greatest public servant of all; he can see the greatest problem facing the people of the Empire and he wishes to enlighten and help them with it.