We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

The Legion of Bobs is the novel’s central symbol, representing the evolution of consciousness and the complex relationship between the individual and the collective. The novel’s title, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), establishes the core paradox: a multitude that originates from a single individual. Initially, Bob is a singular replicant, but the Von Neumann directive drives him to create copies to survive, forming a new kind of society based on a set of overlapping, collaborative minds. The society the Bobs form is immediately not completely aligned, playing into the theme of Tension Between the Individual and the Collective. Though perfect copies, the Bobs quickly diverge based on their unique experiences. They adopt new names like Riker, Bill, and Milo, and their differing personalities lead to disagreements and specialized roles. This divergence demonstrates that identity is not static but is continually shaped by experience. The novel rejects a monolithic hive-mind, instead portraying a true legion of individuals. As the Bobs first meet and their differences become apparent, Bob-1 observes, “We weren’t clones. I noted that Riker hadn’t asked Mario, and Mario hadn’t volunteered. Mario seemed to have gotten a double dose of my antisocial tendencies” (107). This immediate splintering of personality proves that even from an identical starting point, individuality prevails, becoming the Legion’s greatest strength.