Of course. We've always had criminals. And as you say, throughout history people have complained about it. All I'm saying is that today people positively celebrate it, and - according to the parent poster - we now demand criminality as a necessity for "success".

Just looking at capitals of many countries, lots of monuments (statues, etc.) are dedicated to conquerors that were basically celebrated for successfully killing, subjugating and stealling from the others.

There are still people that have success without anything criminal.