In her book "The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914," Barbara W. Tuchman explores how society’s darker aspects emerged during a supposedly prosperous era. The quote, "Malignant phenomena do not come out of a golden age," suggests that beneath the surface of affluence and stability, tensions and negative forces were brewing. This depiction challenges the perception of the period as idyllic, highlighting the underlying issues that contributed to subsequent conflicts.

Tuchman illustrates that the tranquility of a golden age can mask the seeds of turmoil, which ultimately lead to societal upheaval. This idea prompts readers to reconsider how periods of apparent peace can still be fraught with danger and discontent, setting the stage for the disasters that followed in the early 20th century. By examining this juxtaposition, Tuchman provides a deeper understanding of historical dynamics and the complexities of human society.