--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who possessed the highest (sense…" description: "\"“Those who possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared the arm and marc..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/lao-tzu-624_arm-marched_those-who-possessed-the-highest-sense-of_2686463.jpg" --- # Those who possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were… ![“Those who possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared the arm and marched up to them.” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/lao-tzu-624_arm-marched_those-who-possessed-the-highest-sense-of_2686463.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/lao-tzu-624_arm-marched_those-who-possessed-the-highest-sense-of_2686463.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/lao-tzu-624_arm-marched_those-who-possessed-the-highest-sense-of_2686463.jpg) > ““Those who possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared the arm and marched up to them.”” [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People who overly display propriety may become aggressive when ignored, showing the danger of performative virtue. **In simple terms:** Showy propriety can turn hostile if unreciprocated. Key Takeaway Practice humility over ostentation. Themes virtue propriety aggression social dynamics Mood philosophical cautionary Type advice reflective When to use this quote - social gatherings - workplace interactions - family gatherings Key Concepts humility authenticity conflict avoidance Questions to Reflect On - How does humility affect social acceptance? - When does asserting propriety become counterproductive? 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