The Barking of Dogs Does Not Harm the Clouds

“The Barking of Dogs Does Not Harm the Clouds.”

This Arabic proverb conveys the idea that a person of dignity, stature and integrity cannot be diminished by the insults, criticism or hostility of those beneath them in character.

Just as clouds remain high in the sky, unaffected by dogs barking below, people of genuine standing should not allow the words of the foolish or malicious to disturb them.

The renowned Arab writer Al-Jahiz, in his book Kitab al-Hayawan (The Book of Animals), observed that dogs sometimes bark at clouds because they associate them with the discomfort of winter rain.

The proverb is similar in meaning to another well-known Arabic saying:

“The caravan moves on while the dogs bark.”

The deeper meaning

Not every insult deserves a response, nor does every critic deserve attention.

True stature is measured by character, actions and achievements — not by the opinions of those who seek to undermine it.

The clouds remain above, no matter how loudly the dogs bark below.