I agree with stopdog about inherent value but I do think there is always potential. I think potential is measured in action so hurting stopdog's animals or a child, etc. lowers one potential in my eyes. But I do believe the bad guy/gal can turn his life around/reform, just that the possibilities of that happening lessen as time goes on. I believe there are some people here who will not get "well"/have what I would personally (in case you missed the "I" :-) call a worth while life.