Man is merely a more perfect animal than the rest. He reasons better.

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

An ape will be an ape, though clad in purple.

Animals, in their generation, are wiser than the sons of men, but their wisdom is confined to a few particulars, and lies in a very narrow compass.

Animals are good to think with.

There be beasts that, at a year old, observe more, and pursue that which is for their good more prudently, than a child can do at ten.

How like to us is that filthy beast the ape.

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.

Who sleepeth with dogs shall rise with fleas.

Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts.

Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise.

Men, my dear, are very queer animals—a mixture of horse nervousness, ass stubbornness, and camel malice.

Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve and from which he cannot escape.