I found this article to very interesting as it presents an objective view of the ramifications of hacking. The story tells a tale of woe that has followed Max Ray Butler (renowned as a 'white-hat') since his incarceration for intruding into government and military networks back in the 90's. Once a $250 an hour consultant, Max now works for minimum wage, can't BUY a job in the security field, and has to get permission from his parole officer to access the internet. I recommend this read to ANYONE who is obsessed with invading networks, as it illustrates in good fashion the havok it can wreak on your life.

http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,54838,00.html