Science fiction novels often paint a picture of a grim dystopian future. That’s not the world of Riff the Razzle. My view of history, and therefore of the future, is that the vast majority of people are decent, hardworking, somewhat flawed, and doing the best they can. One-tenth of one percent of the population cheerfully occupy the lunatic fringe.
In the book, Jack is pursued by the evil Dr. Smith and the fanatically Sons of the Eternal Ether. As he flees, he encounters quite a collection of misfits, eccentrics and nut jobs. But the world through which he passes is populated by normal people engaged in the sweet activities of daily life. People are fundamentally good. Technology is improving the lives of the majority. And the future looks brighter than the past. Of course, the lunatic fringe will always remain with us.
Perhaps I’m too optimistic. But given a choice, and I choose to believe I have a choice (Jill’s philosophy has bearing here), I believe that the future is a happier, though somewhat dysfunctional place (perfection is boring).
A weird sense of humor helps. Cheers.