Sékelites

The Sékelites are a fictional religious group appearing in the science fiction novel "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. They are a minority religious sect within the human diaspora, characterized by their adherence to a specific set of theological and ethical principles. Their most distinguishing feature is their belief in the sanctity of life and an aversion to unnecessary violence, which influences their social and political interactions.

Sékelite society is structured around communal living and a deep respect for elders and tradition. They are known for their pacifist leanings, although this does not necessarily translate to complete non-resistance. Instead, their philosophy emphasizes finding non-violent solutions to conflict and a strong moral code that prohibits harming sentient beings unless absolutely unavoidable for self-preservation. This belief system often puts them at odds with more militaristic or pragmatic factions within human society.

The novel portrays the Sékelites as a people who prioritize spiritual fulfillment and communal harmony over material wealth or political power. Their presence within the larger narrative serves as a counterpoint to more aggressive human tendencies, highlighting different approaches to survival and coexistence in a complex universe. Their cultural practices and philosophical outlook are integral to the themes explored in "The Mote in God's Eye," particularly concerning the nature of civilization and the challenges of interspecies relations.