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

In every man is a wild beast; most of them don’t know how to hold it back, and the majority give it full rein when they are not restrained by terror of law.

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.

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

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

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.

Every ass thinks himself worthy to stand with the king’s horses.

Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.

Life is no way to treat an animal.

Alas! We are ridiculous animals.

Man is no man, but a wolf, to a stranger.

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

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