Debates on inheritance often center on the rate and base of inheritance taxes, but the concept of the "reserved share"—the legal right of children to inherit a portion of their parent’s estate—deserves greater attention for ethical, philosophical, and economic reasons. As the presidential election approaches and the government grapples with a difficult budget, the issue of how to tax inheritances is once again in the spotlight. However, much of the discussion focuses narrowly on tax rates and who is taxed, rather than on the broader question of how inheritance rights themselves shape wealth distribution and social mobility. In recent years, the topic of inheritance has resurfaced strongly in public discourse. On the left, proposals range from increasing taxes on inheritances to outright bans on inheritances above a threshold of 12 million euros. On the right, some advocate for the complete abolition of inheritance taxes. Trade unions, such as CFDT, have even proposed a 1% tax on all inheritances. But are these approaches addressing the real issues at stake? According to the Economic Analysis Council (CAE), the share of household wealth derived from inheritances and donations has grown from 35% in 1970 to over 60% today. This means that wealth is increasingly determined not by personal effort or savings, but by family background. Inheriting wealth can be seen as capturing a “rent”—a benefit that exceeds one’s own contribution to production. This dynamic challenges the principles of liberalism, which traditionally opposes such unearned advantages. The impact of inheritance extends beyond wealth accumulation. It creates significant inequalities in access to opportunities based on birth. Factors such as housing, education, internships, and first jobs are increasingly influenced by family resources. For example, only 3% of the most modest young households have a chance of becoming homeowners without family help. This leads to a cycle where those without inheritances must spend a large portion of their income on housing, leaving little for future generations. Similarly, the high cost of living in major university cities creates barriers for the most disadvantaged, limiting their access to prestigious education and employment opportunities. Beyond the immediate effects, inheritances can also discourage productivity. As early as the 20th century, Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy American philanthropist, warned that inheritances might reduce the incentive to work or start a business. This can lead to a decrease in the tax base, as fewer people contribute to the economy. In response, governments may increase taxes on work and capital, creating a cycle where the cost of living rises and economic growth slows. This dynamic underscores the need to rethink not just how inheritances are taxed, but how they are structured in the first place. The debate over inheritance taxes has overshadowed a deeper issue: the legal right of children to inherit a portion of their parent’s estate, known as the reserved share. This legal framework limits the freedom of individuals to choose their heirs and treats property as a communal family asset rather than an individual one. This concept, often referred to as “family communism,” reinforces intergenerational inequalities and hinders the free circulation of capital. In contrast, many Anglo-Saxon countries allow individuals greater flexibility in deciding who inherits their property, which is seen as a factor in their economic dynamism. The paradox lies in the fact that those who oppose inheritance taxes often do not challenge the reserved share, which affects all property owners. This contradiction reflects a broader cultural tension in French society: a desire to reduce inequality, yet a strong attachment to the principle of inheritance as a source of that inequality. Addressing this contradiction requires moving beyond taxation and rethinking the very foundations of property rights. The first necessary step is to abolish the reserved share and restore the freedom of testament, allowing individuals to determine how their wealth is passed on. Only then can we truly address the complex and far-reaching effects of inheritance on society.