In "Cold Mountain" by Charles Frazier, the quote reflects the irony of human responsibility in the face of turmoil. It highlights how individuals create their own circumstances yet often fail to recognize their role in the suffering that follows. The metaphor of a war being a "cloud" emphasizes the looming presence of conflict and its impact on the land and people.
The statement also serves as a critique of complacency, where people complain about the consequences of their actions without acknowledging their part in creating them. It underscores the idea that many blame external factors for their problems while ignoring their contributions to the situation.