Come here, buddy.

back then, there were no fewer "chained" individuals than there are now

Or in those times? Or in those times?
Were Leonidas and the Crusaders not encouraged to perform heroic deeds?
Jesus Christ had the opportunity to avoid crucifixion. Or the early Christian martyrs.
Even the driver of a "Ford" bought on credit is not forced to crash into a pole, saving the life of a senile old woman who is too lazy to walk 10 meters to the underground passage...