People
It is not in the power of any man to command success; but you have done more — you have deserved it.
— George Washington
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Nobody can order success to arrive, the speaker says, but deserving it is something more valuable, and that's what the person addressed has achieved. It's a compliment separating effort and worth from outcomes that luck or circumstance control.
Context reviewed