Corruption: Inheritance, Happiness, and the Roots of Greed Corruption is often discussed in lofty philosophical tones, but the reality we encounter daily is surprisingly direct—and yet, not as easily unravelled. A recent conversation with an elderly couple, travelling to Bangalore to visit their children, brought this dilemma into sharp relief. They articulated the common concern: corruption hinders national growth, and there is an urgent need to eradicate it. One unorthodox idea emerged: “Let’s abolish inheritance of property across generations.” At first glance, this proposal seems transformative. It would: Deal a heavy blow to the privileged who plan to coast along on family fortunes, enforcing true accountability in society. Dismantle the motive for amassing wealth simply for one’s heirs. Remove the incentive to accumulate money purely for future generations, shifting the focus from legacy to present merit. If such a structural change sounds initially appealing, the...