The quote from Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" suggests that success can often be misleading. It points out how success can superficially appear to be a sign of true merit or talent, when in reality, it may not reflect genuine hard work or moral character. This dissonance between success and true merit can confuse and deceive people, leading them to admire or aspire to what they perceive as achievement without recognizing the underlying truths.

This perspective highlights the complexities of ambition and recognition in society. Success can overshadow the true efforts and values individuals possess, creating a distorted view of what it means to achieve something worthwhile. Hugo's insight serves as a caution against equating outward success with inner virtue, reminding us that the true measure of a person often lies beneath the surface.