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Émile Durkheim

Seto Kaiba

Seto Kaiba
Japanese Name:海馬 瀬人 (Kaiba Seto)
Role:Major antagonist and later rival to Yugi Mutou in theYu-Gi-Oh!series
Personality:Arrogant, driven, fiercely competitive, and ambitious

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Role in the Story

Kaiba’s character drives much of the competitive tension in the series, acting as both an antagonist and a complex anti-hero. His duels against Yugi are some of the series’ most iconic, showcasing Kaiba’s genius in strategy and his unwavering confidence. Kaiba’s pursuit of becoming the greatest duelist leads him to take immense risks, including challenging supernatural forces to achieve his goals. Over time, Kaiba’s character shows elements of growth, becoming less consumed by hatred and more by a personal ambition driven by pride and a deep-seated need to protect his brother.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

With a cold, defiant expression, Seto Kaiba tears a card, embodying his ruthless determination and willingness to go to any lengths to achieve victory.

Personality

Kaiba’s journey reveals a transformation from a ruthless, win-at-all-costs figure to a slightly more reflective and caring individual, albeit one who is still unapologetically proud and headstrong. He represents a character who is willing to evolve, though only on his terms. His intelligence and tactical approach to life make him a formidable opponent, while his growing appreciation for the people around him, particularly Mokuba, hint at a gradual emotional maturation.

Background and Story

Seto Kaiba is first introduced as an exceptionally talented, ruthlessly ambitious gamer, renowned for his skills in Duel Monsters and his relentless drive to dominate his opponents. As CEO of KaibaCorp, he transformed his father’s arms manufacturing company into a leading force in the world of gaming and holographic technology. Kaiba’s initial ruthlessness extends to his duels, where he adopts a cold, strategic approach, determined to secure his place as the world’s top duelist.

Kaiba’s motivations and rivalry with Yugi Mutou and Dark Yugi stem from his obsession with being the best. After losing to Yugi in their first duel, Kaiba undergoes a transformative experience; a loss that leaves him in a coma also triggers a shift in his character. He emerges with a restructured moral compass, though he retains his characteristic arrogance. Despite his intense rivalry with Yugi, Kaiba’s softer side becomes apparent through his close relationship with his younger brother, Mokuba, whom he deeply cares for and protects at all costs.

Key Rivalries and Relationships

Yugi Mutou

Kaiba’s rivalry with Yugi is complex, marked by grudging respect and intense competition. While he admires Yugi’s dueling skills, his desire to surpass him drives much of his character arc. The rivalry represents both a challenge and an obsession for Kaiba, as he constantly seeks to prove himself the superior duelist.

Mokuba Kaiba

Mokuba is Kaiba’s younger brother and his most precious relationship. Kaiba’s devotion to Mokuba often humanizes him, revealing a protective and compassionate side beneath his otherwise hardened exterior.

Trivia

Trivia:
★ Kaiba’s love for Blue-Eyes White Dragon is rooted in his past as Priest Seto, who was bonded with the dragon. This bond is symbolic and deeply personal, as he considers the card a representation of his power and legacy.
★ KaibaCorp’s advancements in holographic technology transformed the Duel Monsters experience, giving rise to the iconic Duel Disks and holographic dueling arenas.
★ Kaiba’s iconic “Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon” summon reflects his ambition and need to push boundaries, constantly searching for the next challenge or way to prove his dominance.