Surely we must pay more taxes!?

No doubt, but if you can point to where I have ever suggested that that is the case I will be very surprised.

@ Doodledog, the post wasn't directed at you personally, just like I assume yours wasn't directed at me personally. (There's already enough accusations of who said what, when, on this thread.) It doesn't really matter who the author is in this case, because it is just a generalisation.

What it serves to indicate, however, is the type of terminology often used against people who inherit a substantial amount, or who have money stashed away. The tone, which verges on jealousy - though may not be - has been noted by several posters in this discusion.

I just think that a better understanding of the various factors surrounding inheritance could help mitigate possible feelings of resentment. In my opinion, this would thereby ensure a more empathetic perspective towards people who inherit wealth, or accumulate money, and who wish to keep it.

Ok, but it is difficult to discuss when generalisations abound. I was responding to those on the thread who accuse anyone who disagrees with them of being envious.

I am aware that not all wealthy people are grasping, and would never suggest that they are. How am I (or anyone who feels as I do) supposed to express my opinion if it is constantly countered by accusations of being jealous or of lumping people in an income bracket together? I don’t do that, so it is extremely frustrating. I would much rather someone engaged with what I do say about meritocracy, geographical mobility, the need to drive ambition and so on, but l guess it’s easier just to assume envy and shout about generalisation.

Maybe that needs addressing to anyone shouting and shrieking on here, though I can't see anyone doing so.

Doodledog

I don't think that people who inherit are unappreciative, or anything else, as a group. Just as I don't think that anyone who believes in a fair tax system and a meritocracy is envious and penniless. Generalisations are lazy and pointless.

They are but there are some generalisations that contain some truth.

I do believe (especially after reading posts on here) that most people on "ordinary" incomes get little chance to understand the different way of thinking extraordinary riches bring.

Equally, an understanding of the extraordinarily rich for the lives and challenges of the extraordinarily poor is rare.

Currently only 4 % of estates pay IHT increasing the rate on them will not produce much extra tax and will likely drive investment elsewhere, you have to increase the taxation on the 96 % to make any difference.
Those that want to increase the tax free amount are going to reduce the amount of tax on inheritance

Barleyfields

escaped

Nobody should be born with a natural silver spoon in their mouth. I think that is an unfortunate expression, because it sounds pejorative and implies a blanket disapproval.
There are people who inherit a substantial amount, but who still have principles and ethics. In deed, they even raise their own children to be hardworking and productive. The implication is often that the person who inherited does not fully appreciate the value of their advantage, and this is not true.

Yes, that is the implication and I very much resent it.

Quite irritating, innit?