John Kramer (Jigsaw): Learn to love your life by brushing against the edge of death.

The Killer Who Teaches You to Value Every Second of Your Life

How tired can you be of your own existence? There are people for whom simply waking up feels like torture. They feel trapped in a life of frustration, disappointed by unmet expectations, resigned to a routine that lacks fulfillment. Some even contemplate ending their lives but lack the courage to go through with it. They survive day by day, clinging to fleeting moments of peace that quickly evaporate when reality strikes them across the face. Many ask themselves, "Is life really worth living?" John Kramer makes you reconsider that question.

John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, was not always a notorious killer. His descent into darkness began with a devastating tragedy: the loss of his unborn son, Gideon Kramer, due to the reckless actions of Cecil Adams, an irredeemable drug addict. Gideon's death deeply affected John and his wife, Jill Tuck, driving an irreparable wedge between them. As if that heartbreak were not enough, John was later diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Overwhelmed by despair, he attempted to end his life by driving off a cliff. However, fate had other plans for him.

Surviving his suicide attempt triggered a dark and twisted revelation within John. He realized how precious life was, especially when balanced on the edge of death. From that moment on, his life's purpose shifted. He decided to become a grotesque kind of teacher, one who would force others to appreciate the gift of life through suffering. His belief was simple yet sinister: only those who have stared into the abyss of death can truly cherish their existence.

John crafted elaborate traps and puzzles, each designed to test the survival instinct of his victims. These games were not random acts of violence; they were, in his mind, lessons in gratitude. He targeted individuals who took their lives for granted or caused harm to others. His infamous creations included The Crematorium, The Bear Trap, The Needle Pit, and The Razor Belt—devices ingeniously designed to push the boundaries of human endurance. The rules were clear: follow the instructions, endure unimaginable pain, and survive to live a redefined, appreciative life. Fail, and the price was death.

His chilling puppet, Billy, delivered these rules through grainy videotapes and mechanical voices. The mere sight of the puppet triggered a primal fear, as victims realized their lives hung by a thread. In those moments, time seemed to stretch into eternity. Each second became a reminder of mortality. As the traps activated, the mechanical ticking of a clock became synonymous with life's fragile nature. The victims were forced to confront their deepest fears, questioning their choices and the way they lived until that moment.

John Kramer did not see himself as a murderer. In his mind, he never killed anyone; he merely created scenarios in which people had to choose between survival and surrender. For him, death was not the lesson—survival was. His twisted philosophy stemmed from his own suffering and loss. He wanted others to realize what he had come to understand: that life is fleeting, unpredictable, and often taken for granted.

So, be cautious. If you ever feel tempted to dismiss your life as meaningless, if you find yourself merely surviving rather than living, remember that there are forces, real or imagined, that might test your resolve. John Kramer believed that people could change when faced with death. If you dare to claim that nothing could change your mind, think twice before saying it out loud. Jigsaw might have a game ready for you—a game that could either redefine your existence or grant you the oblivion you wished for.