Happiness is a warm puppy.

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

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

The elephant, although a gross beast, is yet the most decent and most sensible of any other upon earth. Although he never changes his female, and hath so tender a love for her whom he hath chosen, yet he never couples with her but at the end of every three years, and then only for the space of five days.

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.

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.

What delight can there be, and not rather displeasure, in hearing the barking and howling of dogs? Or what greater pleasure is there to be felt when a dog followeth a hare than when a dog followeth a dog?

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.

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

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.

It is remarkable that only small birds properly sing.

Animals are good to think with.