This is a philosophical essay from LessWrong exploring an economic and ethical paradox: systems that limit the consequences of failure—like limited liability companies—actually encourage more ambitious risk-taking. Philosopher Ben Pace argues that the capacity to punish and hold people accountable is what makes true kindness and virtue meaningful. He notes that you can't genuinely choose to be kind if you lack the capacity to be cruel. However, Pace acknowledges this logic has a dark side: reducing punishment also makes it easier to inflict harm without consequence. The piece uses examples ranging from historical duels to startups to Harry Potter fan fiction, building toward why power and accountability matter for society—though the essay itself mysteriously cuts off mid-word. According to LessWrong, kindness without consequences is merely the absence of choice, not a virtue.

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