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.

Imitate the ass in his love to his master.

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.

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

There are some who, if a cat accidentally comes into the room, though they neither see it nor are told of it, will presently be in a sweat and ready to die away.

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

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

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. 

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

It is remarkable that only small birds properly sing.

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

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.

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