So, here we have a perfectly innocuous-looking switch. There’s nothing unique or special about it, it could operate the lights in any number of living rooms. At the top is a plate that says “on”; at the bottom, one that says “off.” It is currently switched to the “on” position.

But above the switch is a sign that says, “Warning: Never flip this switch.”

This is a rather strange situation. If the switch was never meant to be flipped, then why is it here? After all, the only purpose of a switch is to enable activating or deactivating something; by its very existence, it is providing you a choice: you can turn it on, or you can turn it off again.

Why would someone install a switch with a warning sign saying never to flip it? It would be far simpler not to install the switch at all, would it not?

Therefore, the sign must simply be a jest, and the switch is meant to be flipped off at least at some point, by some proper authority.

With that in mind, I wonder what would happen if I were to flip it right no—