> 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 w

> 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.