He epitomized the best characteristics of America, working his way up from humble beginnings to achieve great wealth and the esteem of those who knew him.

FORBES: Junk Judgement

But men I admire in the game do hold him in high esteem and I'll take it on their authority that Gary is a good football man.

BBC: Fan power sends Megson packing

Most Kosovars, by contrast, held him in high esteem.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

'Wor Jackie', as Milburn was called by Newcastle's adoring fans, was not only prolific on the field but regarded as an ambassador off the pitch and Shearer's exploits are likely to see him held in similar esteem.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Newcastle United | Shearer closes in on Milburn record

Lost in the turbulence is another institution, Coach Joe Paterno, who for decades led the Penn State Nittany Lions to great heights, and now, at a time when he should be basking in the glory of a successful career, he finds himself disgraced, shamed and dishonored by the very institution that held him in such high esteem.

FORBES: The Tornado at Penn State

Then Bellows died at age 42 in 1925, and Hopper soon outdistanced him in fame, sales and critical esteem with acclaimed pictures like "Nighthawks" of 1942.

WSJ: George Bellows at Washington's National Gallery of Art

His word is held in such high esteem that investment banks that structure derivative products for him don't require that he put up a lot of collateral.

FORBES: Political Economy

He seemed to experience a momentary high and self-esteem boost when acquiring these things, which quickly left him feeling just as empty.

FORBES: I Married A White-Collar Criminal ... And Paid The Price