32. On the Second Generation:The Parasites of Society, the Enemies of Democracy

The term "second generation" as used herein specifically refers to those who reap benefits without merit through the assistance of their elders. Examples include the children of officials, the children of the wealthy, the children of celebrities, and so forth. Any individual who leverages the influence of their elders to gain undeserved advantages falls under the category of the second generation targeted for criticism in this article.

Unearned privilege is a cancer in society, and the second generation are its carriers. They exploit society through unearned gains, contribute nothing of value, and are thoroughly parasitic. Wherever large numbers of the second generation exist, exploitation intensifies, wealth disparity widens, social stratification solidifies, and society ultimately collapses. This holds true regardless of whether the nation is authoritarian or democratic. Therefore, achieving genuine democracy requires eradicating the second generation; becoming a true citizen demands eliminating this class.

While social exploitation persists even in democracies, the first generation of exploiters earned their privilege through societal contributions. Thus, they deserve protection and respect. From the perspective of first-generation exploiters, they naturally wish for their children and descendants to become exploiters themselves—a desire shared by all and not inherently objectionable. However, first-generation exploiters should not allow their offspring to become exploiters through unearned privilege. Instead, they should guide their children and descendants to become contributors to society through their own efforts, thereby enabling them to become first-generation exploiters themselves. In short, democratic societies will always welcome first-generation exploiters while firmly rejecting second-generation exploiters.

Yet when we survey the world—whether in authoritarian states or so-called democracies—few seem to psychologically endorse this view. Just as inheritance systems are widely accepted, second-generation exploiters are universally tolerated, even admired.

People regard labor as shameful and unearned gain as honorable. From this perspective, it becomes clear that humanity's self-serving nature often obscures the light of reason, allowing foolish notions to permeate our minds and bodies. Thus, human society endlessly reenacts the history of enslavement, exploitation, and oppression.

People fantasize about becoming part of the second generation, even shamelessly calling the wealthy "Dad" and their sons "husband." Once someone psychologically accepts the second generation and aspires to join it, their enslavement, exploitation, and oppression become justified—for they themselves harbor ambitions to enslave, exploit, and oppress others, merely lacking the opportunity.

Only those who refuse to enslave, exploit, or oppress others are true citizens.

A genuine democracy will ensure all citizens recognize the societal poison of the second generation, inspire every citizen to strive to become the honorable first generation, and lead all citizens to reject the shameful path of the second generation.