Imitate the ass in his love to his master.
—St. John Chrysostom, c. 388Quotes
Every ass thinks himself worthy to stand with the king’s horses.
—Gnomologia, 1732Man 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.
—William Hazlitt, 1819Who hears the fishes when they cry?
—Henry David Thoreau, 1849Of all the creatures that breathe and creep on the surface of the earth, none is more to be pitied than man.
—Homer, c. 750 BCGo to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise.
—Book of Proverbs, c. 350 BCMan, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all.
—Aristotle, c. 350 BCCows 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.
—Thomas De Quincey, 1821A dog starved at his master’s gate / Predicts the ruin of the state.
—William Blake, 1807Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals—except the weasel.
—The Simpsons, 1993How like to us is that filthy beast the ape.
—Cicero, 45 BCThere 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.
—Increase Mather, 1684Happiness is a warm puppy.
—Charles Schulz, 1971