3 ms·
>> The idea that I should just be able to transfer whatever wealth I have upon dying to my children is an idea very much promoted over the last couple of centur
by nec4b 3y ago
>> The idea that I should just be able to transfer whatever wealth I have upon dying to my children is an idea very much promoted over the last couple of centuries by the wealthy, and is not "the natural order of things" (because there is no such natural order).
Inheritance was a thing in ancient Egypt 5000 years ago and probably from the beginning of humanity (if every generation had to start from zero, we would still live in caves).
- PaulDavisThe1st 3y ago> if every generation had to start from zero, we would still live in caves). We're not talking a generation starting from zero, but instead specific children within a family. If the wealth left over at death went to the state, the "generation" would not start from zero (and being realistic, it's not that likely that the deceased's offspring would either). Also, inheritance may have been in ancient Egypt, but so were death taxes. Similarly for the Romans, and feudal Europe. Not that the rulers collecting these taxes were exactly the personification of righteous and just government.