[manephelien]

I'm wondering why this thread is in the Asimov forum?

I like reading dystopias, but our current world is near enough one to give one pause. So when I want to escape reality, I'd much rather grab a more optimistic book to read.

What am I hoping for? A future with a true galactic federation of intelligences, although probably some kind of energy beings rather than flesh-and-blood. These would be rather rationalistic in outlook, and would prevent any person or race with superstitious beliefs from joining. That would either cure humanity of its greatest sickness -religion- rather quickly, or else we'd be left to perish. Of course, with the chosen few without religion joining. Then the rest of the Earth could blow itself up.