In "The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the complex nature of society and human behavior. She suggests that beneath the surface of respectability, individuals often harbors feelings of rebellion and disorder. This internal struggle points to a universal tendency for people to resist authority, even if they outwardly conform to societal norms.

Tuchman's insight reflects on how even those who appear respectable are not immune to the contradicting impulses of human nature. The quote emphasizes the idea that everyone has a rebellious side, driving them to challenge the structures and conventions that govern their lives, ultimately revealing the fragility of social order.