Jim Hull: Just finished a sci-fi trilogy by John C. Wright: "The Golden Age",
"The Phoenix Exultant", and "The Golden Transcendence". Far in the future, humans and computers have become immortal, and they cooperate and share intelligence to the point that all are inconceivably rich, commerce is conducted not in money but in seconds of time, honesty and
transparency are universal virtues, and people often communicate in a strange mental state called "middle dreaming". The hero, Phaeton, an engineer, stumbles upon a subtle flaw in this utopia, which is so comfortable with itself that it has become complacent about the possibility of threat from outside. Phaeton warns them of a looming danger, gets exiled for his troubles, and must find a way to return and regain control of the rather spectacular starship he had constructed,
which turns out to be the only weapon that can stand up to the looming
attack. He must ally himself with Atkins, the only remaining warrior in society and sole repository of weaponry; meanwhile, his wife abandons him, but her clone -- the only person still loyal to him -- can't get him to requite her love.

It's a story about the conflict between the desire for perfection and security and the need to explore and take risks; it's also about the nature of reality in a society whose members can alter their own viewpoints and memories at will. The book is highly literary and makes
constant reference to ancient Western texts and heroes. The author studied the Classics at St. John's College, and he has a clear reverence for logic, close argument, and the moral and economic
superiority of cooperation over conflict. Yet he also holds for vigilance even in times of long-lasting peace.

Two things in the series reminded me of you: the first is a courtroom scene in which the attorney defending Phaeton argues brilliantly for him, getting his client out of a terrible jam; the other is Atkins the warrior, whose personality reminded me somehow of your own.

From Publishers Weekly: " . . . deeply literary and deeply essential.
Wright's fondness for a well-turned phrase is genuine-he never repeats
himself-and he's clearly taken the time to study the science and mythology that underlie his tale of a visionary wanderer returning to the utopia that has rejected him."

The trilogy came highly recommended from an email group I subscribe to, and I pass the suggestion along, with full endorsement, to you.