Several of my family were executed; another was jailed as a young lad, and in jail the governor took an interest in this bright kid who'd got involved with murderers (Pinkerton's men).

The governor put him in charge of the library and talked to him about books, and also about the philosophy of life.

The descendants of the executed people grew up with vengeance in their hearts.

The lad who became the prison librarian changed from being an almost psychopathic child (torturing animals, trying to kill his young cousin) to being a decent and kind man. He lived a long and honourable life, contributing to his society with his work, and brought up a family of good people. He died last year +RIP+

Execution, and the attitude of vengeance, breeds hatred and a desire for revenge. Kindness and help is what people need.

If someone is *incapable* of reform (and there are a few of these), then he needs to be in a prison where he is well treated and has all he needs. Not only does punishment and torture not work, it's stupid and wilfully cruel if people can't help themselves.