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.

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 dog starved at his master’s gate / Predicts the ruin of the state.

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

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

A good dog, sir, deserves a good bone.

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

Animals are good to think with.

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. 

Of all the creatures that breathe and creep on the surface of the earth, none is more to be pitied than man.

Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

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