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

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.

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

The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.

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.

Animals are good to think with.

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

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 have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.

Keep running after a dog, and he will never bite you.

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

Life is no way to treat an animal.