Men, my dear, are very queer animals—a mixture of horse nervousness, ass stubbornness, and camel malice.

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.

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

Man is a troublesome animal and therefore is not very manageable.

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 merely a more perfect animal than the rest. He reasons better.

Alas! We are ridiculous animals.

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

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

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

A good dog, sir, deserves a good bone.

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

It is remarkable that only small birds properly sing.