20 Mouse Quotes Full Of Little Lessons In Life
Watching a cautious mouse nibble thoughtfully on a handful of nuts can remind us of the many layers this small creature holds within our lives. From beloved characters like Stuart Little to metaphors about patience and resourcefulness, these rodents have inspired many meaningful mouse quotes.
Before continuing, let’s first differentiate mice from rats. Mice are usually smaller, with delicate features and pointed noses. On the other hand, rats are bigger, bolder, and have blunter snouts. However, both are clever and rich in symbolism. After going through this article, visit our rat quotes or mouse facts next.
Quick links to our selection of mouse quotes:
Quotes About Adorable Mouse Characters
Mice have long captured our hearts in literature and media, from the valiant Reepicheep in Narnia to the iconic Mickey Mouse. These small, clever characters, with their whiskered faces and twitching noses, are full of bravery and, of course, charm.
The following quotes reflect the endearing nature of these characters that continue to enchant audiences of all ages.
"The mouse is a fair treat but this one would talk the hind legs off a donkey."
- C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse."
- Walt Disney
"The second mouse gets the cheese!"
- Terry Pratchett, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
"Mr. and Mrs. Little often discussed Stuart quietly between themselves when he wasn't around, for they had never quite recovered from the shock and surprise of having a mouse in the family. He was so very tiny and presented so many problems to his parents."
- E.B. White, Stuart Little
"I think we had better start thinking about the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.' I think it might embarrass Stuart to hear mice mentioned in such a belittling manner."
- E.B. White, Stuart Little
Noteworthy Mouse Quotes In Literature
Many literary works use mice not only as characters but also as literary devices. The following quotes depict nature's cycles, paint a picture of a mouse family, and describe the chattiness of the squeaking rodent.
Through the excerpts below, we're invited to see the world from a mouse's perspective.
"The Spirits that haunted the trees sat combing their long hair, and on the north side of the tree trunks, baby mice dug tunnels amongst the snowflakes. ‘Happy Spring!' said an elderly Earthworm."
- Tove Jansson, Finn Family Moomintroll
"Mice are terribly chatty. They will chat about anything, and if there is nothing to chat about, they will chat about having nothing to chat about. Compared to mice, robins are reserved."
- Robin McKinley, Spindle's End
"One is the Springmouse who turns on the showers. Then comes the Summer who paints in the flowers. The Fallmouse is next with the walnuts and wheat. And Winter is last…with little cold feet."
- Leo Lionni, Frederick
"All along the meadow where the cows grazed and the horses ran, there was an old stone wall. In that wall, not far from the barn and the granary, a chatty family of field mice had their home."
- Leo Lionni, Frederick
Metaphorical Mouse Quotes To Make You Think
Metaphors involving mice can mean many things. For example, Churchill suggests that even an idea as small as a mouse can disrupt authority. Next, Golden's words speak to strategic timing and caution, likening it to a mouse wisely avoiding danger.
These examples illustrate how careful thought and action, like the unassuming mouse, can wield significant influence. Reflect and decipher more metaphorical quotes below.
"A little mouse of thought appears in the room, and even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic. They make frantic efforts to bar our thoughts and words; they are afraid of the workings of the human mind."
- Winston Churchill
"A mouse is small and can go unnoticed: but there is no limit to what a brave heart and a fearless spirit can achieve."
- Brian Jacques
"A mouse who wishes to fool the cat doesn't simply scamper out of its hole whenever it feels the slightest urge."
- Arthur Golden
"The mice which helplessly find themselves between the cats teeth acquire no merit from their enforced sacrifice."
- Mahatma Gandhi
"The history of using mice to stand in for humans in medical experiments is replete with failures."
- Gary Wolf
More Mouse Sayings To Share Online
Compacted in just a few words, here are more insightful quotes about our tiny, furry friends that are perfect for online sharing. If you want to share lessons of patience and caution, one quote below teaches us how waiting brings rewards. Discover more profound sayings related to adaptability, unity, and more as you reach the end of this post.
"The mouse that always trusts to one poor hole can never be a mouse of any soul."
- Alexander Pope
"The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
- Steven Wright
"Now listen, we need to be quiet as mice. No, quieter than that."
- Trenton Lee Stewart
"Many cats are the death of the mouse."
- Kaspar Hauser
"A mouse never entrusts his life to only one hole."
- Plautus
"If one mouse is a spark then ten thousand are a conflagration."
- Carmen Agra Deedy
Isabela is a determined millennial passionate about continuously seeking out ways to make an impact. With a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with honors, Isabela’s research expertise and interest in artistic works, coupled with a creative mindset, offers readers a fresh take on different environmental, social, and personal development topics.
