What does the term "borrowed ladder" refer to in the context of the movie?

In the context of the movie "GATTACA," the term "borrowed ladder" metaphorically represents the idea of leveraging the genetic information and advantages of others to climb the social and professional hierarchy. It particularly highlights the struggles of "invalids," or those who were genetically engineered to be superior, as they face societal limitations based on their genetic makeup.

The phrase emphasizes the notion that characters, who may not have been genetically optimized for success, can still achieve their aspirations by utilizing the attributes and legacies of those who have been designed for superiority. This concept of borrowing or utilizing the advantages of others aligns with the overarching themes in GATTACA related to ambition, societal class structures, and the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Hence, it directly connects to the genetic makeup of individuals and how it affects their status and opportunities within the world of the film.