Archive

Quotes

Animals are good to think with.

—Claude Lévi-Strauss, 1962

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

—Archilochus, c. 650 BC

It is remarkable that only small birds properly sing.

—Charles Darwin, 1871

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.

—Thomas De Quincey, 1821

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

—Thomas Browne, 1658

Who hears the fishes when they cry?

—Henry David Thoreau, 1849

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

—Book of Proverbs, c. 500 BC

Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

—St. John Chrysostom, c. 388

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

—Samuel Butler, c. 1890

Happiness is a warm puppy.

—Charles Schulz, 1971

A good dog, sir, deserves a good bone.

—Ben Jonson, 1633

Alas! We are ridiculous animals.

—Horace Walpole, 1777

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.

—Increase Mather, 1684