In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo reflects on the troubling state of society, suggesting that it often promotes a superficial definition of success that is rooted in corruption. He addresses the pressure to achieve success, implying that this relentless pursuit overshadows genuine merit and integrity. The societal norms around success can lead individuals astray, leading them to value appearances over true accomplishments.

Hugo critiques this distorted view of success, highlighting its ghastly nature and cautioning against allowing it to mislead people. He warns that the societal obsession with superficial achievement can mask the true qualities of character and virtue, creating a deceptive similarity between genuine merit and mere success. Through this perspective, he encourages deeper reflection on what it means to lead a meaningful life beyond societal expectations.