Human emotions are a gift from our animal ancestors. Cruelty is a gift humanity has given itself

-Thomas Harris (Dr. Hannibal Lecter)

Sticks and stones are hard on bones aimed with angry art.
Words can sting like anything, but silence breaks the heart.

-Phyllis McGinley

When man learns to respect

When man learns to respect even the smallest being of creation, whether animal or vegetable, nobody has to teach him to love his fellow man. Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character, and it is confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.

- Albert Schweitzer

When humans act with cruelty we characterize them as "animals," yet the only animal that displays cruelty is humanity.

- Anthony Douglas Williams