Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.

There are some who, if a cat accidentally comes into the room, though they neither see it nor are told of it, will presently be in a sweat and ready to die away.

I do not mean to call an elephant a vulgar animal, but if you think about him carefully, you will find that his nonvulgarity consists in such gentleness as is possible to elephantine nature—not in his insensitive hide, nor in his clumsy foot, but in the way he will lift his foot if a child lies in his way; and in his sensitive trunk, and still more sensitive mind, and capability of pique on points of honor.

Man and animals are really the conduit of food, the sepulcher of animals, and resting place of the dead, one causing the death of the other, making themselves the covering for the corruption of other dead bodies.

Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals—except the weasel.

A dog starved at his master’s gate / Predicts the ruin of the state.

Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts.

Cows are among the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them—and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.

If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater, suggest that he wear a tail.

Man is a troublesome animal and therefore is not very manageable.

Of all the creatures that breathe and creep on the surface of the earth, none is more to be pitied than man.