Mix <mixmaster@remail.obscura.com>, wrote: The term "equal opportunities" is a curious one. A free market does mean that everybody has the equal opportunity to make agreements with each other. But, clearly some people will have more success making these agreements for reasons which are not under their control. Somebody might have parents who introduce them to the right people and show them the ropes, for instance. This is one reason why the free market does not eliminate the formation of elites. But, so what? Are we really going to claim that people shouldn't help their children to succeed?
Yes, if "equal opportunities" was a reality then the wealth of your family would not be an aid nor would the destitution of your family be a hinderance. This, of course, is the stuff of socialism. I suspect that even if inheritance was banned those from wealthy and connected parents would see some significant benefit, but probably not as much as those from families in which good work ethic, self-reliance, savings and investment were stressed. --Steve