"It is just this rage for consideration that has betrayed the dog into his satellite position as the friend of man. The cat, an animal of franker appetites, preserves his independence. But the dog, with one eye ever on the audience, has been wheedled into slavery, and praised and patted into the renunciation of his nature. Once he ceased hunting and became man's plate-licker, the Rubicon was crossed. Thenceforth he was a gentleman of leisure; and except the few whom we keep working, the whole race grew more and more self-conscious, mannered and affected."

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Source: Robert Louis Stevenson (2016). “Memories and Portraits: Stevenson's Vol. 21”, p.65, VM eBooks

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Robert Louis Stevenson

Author, Poet

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author known for his adventure novels, including 'Treasure Island' and 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'.

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Robert Louis Stevenson Author, Poet

"The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."

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