Don

I've read a few of Jerry's space war books, seven or eight books at least and I would say that the philosophy you describe carries into the books. The empire in "A Mote in God's Eye." Is a traditional monarchy. I've read Pournelle describe such as a good system of government, better than most.

One of my complaints about Pournelle's science fiction, is that he has his armies using conventional, chemical powered guns mortors and RPG's
rather than something more high tech. But he spun good yarns so I read them anyway.

Apparently he believes the British Empire was the height of human civilization never to be surpassed. He has a point. I hope he is wrong.

My philosophy is more like Niven's vision. I think that technology and the expansion of knowledge can relieve man of many of the problems that human nature creates.

From a science fiction author's perspective especially one that creates a series of works in the future, it is probably best to believe that man will not evolve too much. The present day reader needs to be able to identify and supermen do not make for good protagonists.

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I agree with pretty much every thing you said. Though I must point out that Gary Oldman gives Rickman a challenge for the best actor in the villainous roles category.