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

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

Do you not see how God is praised by those in the heavens and those on earth? The very birds praised Him as they wing their way.

Man is no man, but a wolf, to a stranger.

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

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

Animals are in possession of themselves; their soul is in possession of their body. But they have no right to their life, because they do not will it. 

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.

Every ass thinks himself worthy to stand with the king’s horses.

Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.

One of the animals which a generous and sociable man would soonest become is a dog. A dog can have a friend; he has affections and character; he can enjoy equally the field and the fireside; he dreams, he caresses, he propitiates; he offends and is pardoned; he stands by you in adversity; he is a good fellow.

A good dog, sir, deserves a good bone.

A bull contents himself with one meadow, and one forest is enough for a thousand elephants; but the little body of a man devours more than all other living creatures.