ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Privilege of the predecessors

Okay kiddo, let me explain what "privilege of the predecessors" means. Have you ever heard the phrase "standing on the shoulders of giants"? It means that people today can accomplish great things because of the work and discoveries that came before them.

Now, imagine that every time someone accomplished something great, they got to keep a little bit of extra help, like a boost or a bonus. That's kind of like the "privilege" that comes from the work of people who came before.

For example, let's say a person's ancestors were inventors who created something really cool a long time ago. That person might have an advantage when it comes to understanding a certain technology or knowing how to make certain things work.

The idea behind "privilege of the predecessors" is that people today can benefit from the work and accomplishments of their ancestors, which can give them an advantage in life. But it's important to remember that not everyone has that advantage, and it's not fair to assume that everyone starts on equal footing. So, be thankful for the benefits you might have from your ancestors, but also be aware of how it affects others.
Related topics others have asked about: