The dogs’ bark, but the caravan goes on
The great man is firm-minded and they have the courage of their convictions. Once they make a certain plan or decide upon a particular line of conduct or action, they stick to the plan and the line. No amount of interested and indiscreet propaganda can deter them from doing what they must do. The dogs do bark and yelp, but they persevere. Of course, they make their plans after a good deal of pondering and discussion and experience and observation. A prominent professor of Oxford used to say: “Never explain yourself; never apologize; just go on and let them howl.” Some people always take a devilish pleasure in weaving gossip and spreading scandals. One should move on, in spite of these gossip and scandals. But so far I have not been suggesting that one should not invite criticism or profit from it. Rather one should. But one should not be confused and undone by ignorant criticism and unreasonable opposition. At any rate, in the face of adverse propaganda against one, one should keep oneself calm and collected, and not lose one’s temper.
