> The fact that they are aware of their own lack of usefulness makes the whole enterprise even more cynical and shady. Some would say this was the origin of ch

> The fact that they are aware of their own lack of usefulness makes the whole enterprise even more cynical and shady. Some would say this was the origin of charity and corporate social responsibility. It was born as a financial optimization to hedge against optics risk, to engage in moral licensing. And it does its job very well there -- not in spite of, but because it directly humanizes the company and its executives.