Java is easier to learn because it handles a lot of things through magic that C++ makes you take care of yourself. However if you decide you want to continue programming past learning one language, trying to learn C++ after getting used to Java doing some of the complicated bits for you is much more difficult than if you had started with C++ and decided to pick up Java afterwards.
As for whether or not programming is worth picking up, I think so. But as a CS major I'm biased.
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"There's no bliss in shifting blocks around until they line up? Guess you've never played TETRIS. From Russia with FUN, mother ****er" - AbsoluteZero