Looking at the image of a Life License above, you and see that licensee has a citizen rating of +625 out of 850, you you can see that this person is worth having around. If they had a criminal record and no redeeming accomplishments the score might be negative.

Of course this idea would never fly. It is only a thought experiment.

What has the biggest impact on humanity and we don’t license it? Life itself. The most unqualified people can have any number of kids often placing a burden on society. We are more worried about fishing licenses than overpopulation.

Imagine that to reproduce you have to apply for a license proving that you are qualified to support the kid. Getting a license for the first 2 kids might be easy, but beyond that the qualifications are more stringent. For instance you might need a higher citizen rating and income.

The baby is issued a Life License at birth with a citizen rating of 0. Making it through high school without problems would be an automatic +500. Being involved in the community and school activities would add points and criminal behaviors would subtract. Skills and a parttime job would add even more points.

Say your rating is low because you stole a car. During your jail time, you acquire a skill and turn over a new leaf. In a couple years you could have a good citizen rating – not judged by your past.

However when your rating dips below zero and becomes increasingly negative it is clear you are a burden to society and your Life License is in danger of being revoked. For instance a killer could loose his/her license unless there are mitigating factors. If a criminal trial has a guilty verdict, then negative points are assigned. A repeat offender might risk having their Life License revoked even though they did not commit a capital offense.