One can only assume it was because his thefts and murders had brought him great material power. That, apparently, in the woman s eyes, was his problem. To her, anyway, and probably to many others, the man deserved admiration because he had achieved worldly power. We ve all heard of, and perhaps also met, wealthy people of dubious character who were more or less excused their eccentricities solely on account of their wealth. Surely not, and especially not if, in the process, the admiration they attract is mingled with general dislike.
Success means much more than money and power.
Many people have learned this lesson too late in life to have any time left to improve matters. For, of course, they were encouraged. Everything they ever learned at home, in school, and from their peers persuaded them that success lies in things tangible, not in seemingly insubstantial, more spiritual gains. It comes down to what people really want from life. They want these for the inner satisfaction, the happiness, they expect to gain through them.