In genetics, there's a thing called "reversion to the mean". It is rare that those with exceptional ability fully passes those traits to their offspring. The offspring may be above average, but they will not be exceptional.
That is the vulnerability of a hereditary elite, people who got where they are because of their parents and connections.
spot on....
And it’s more than the genetic devolution.
It’s also the virtues acquired to get to a position of wealth/privilege. One works hard and then is able to give the kids a hand up which they didn’t have. But that cuts both ways because some kids never move beyond entitlement and don’t acquire the virtues of having worked hard and being industrious.
I remember once a sports writer pointing out that no boxing champion ever came from any position in society except from the very bottom. Makes perfect sense. And no fighters had dads who were rich professional boxers. (That said, Ken Norton’s son did legit play in the NFL.....truly exceptional).
In any event, good and insightful post.