I agree with Julian Richer: the circumstances into which we are born affect how we get on in life (Do you feel lucky? Why acknowledging our own good fortune would make the world a better place, 17 November). I had a relatively ordinary background and worked in the public sector, but the security I had allowed me to have a good life. As he says, these things are not available to so many children. Considering the wealth in this country, that is a disgrace.
In 2009, the Guardian published an article about 1948 being the best year to have been born. This was based on every aspect of life you can think of: free education, NHS, availability of work, final-salary pensions and opportunities to buy houses at sensible prices. I was born in 1948. What a total privilege.
Mary Mullarkey
Lostwithiel, Cornwall
