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

Animals are good to think with.

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater, suggest that he wear a tail.

Who sleepeth with dogs shall rise with fleas.

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.