A mitigating factor in criminal sentencing is a reason for a freshly convicted criminal to receive a lighter sentence. Mitigating factors are only considered during sentencing, after a criminal has been determined guilty, and can only reduce the punishment, not removing it entirely. Examples of mitigating factors include first time offenses or a history of mental illness.

Dating services are service providers where clients pay to be screened and profiled, before being matchmade with another person that is deemed compatible with their personality. Fees charged vary widely between the depth of screening and types of services offered.

Protectionist policies are economic policies that protect domestic companies from competition with imported goods and services. Common examples include import tariffs (an additional tax charged by the government on foreign goods), embargoes or quotas that limit the quantity of foreign imports, and subsidies for local industries.

Optimistic nihilism is the ability of a person to create his own meaning after fully accepting that the universe is a large place of meaninglessness.

You are a liberal Malay Muslim living in a suburban township in Malaysia. You graduated with a degree locally in finance and have been working in your hometown for the past few years.

You have recently been applying for new positions, and have received 2 similar job offers, one for a large bank in Kuala Lumpur, and one for a large bank in Hong Kong. Both companies are reputable, established financial institutions and give you a similar career trajectory and upwards mobility. Both positions are offering you a lucrative salary for your position, although the Hong Kong bank is offering you 15% more.