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

Who hears the fishes when they cry?

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.

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.

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

An ape will be an ape, though clad in purple.

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

Do you not see how God is praised by those in the heavens and those on earth? The very birds praised Him as they wing their way.

Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts.

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

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

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.

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.