Who hears the fishes when they cry?

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.

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.

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

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.

The fox knows lots of tricks, the hedgehog only one—but it’s a winner.

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

Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes and pompous in the grave.

Animals are good to think with.

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.

I hate the sight of monkeys; they remind me so of poor relations.

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.

Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts.