I have learned that with creatures one loves, suffering is not the only thing for which one may pity them. A rabbit who does not know when a gift has made him safe is poorer than a slug, even though he may think otherwise himself.

I've always said that Watership Down is not a book for children. I say: it's a book, and anyone who wants to read it can read it.

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.

Rabbits need dignity and above all the will to accept their fate.

The Threarah doesn't like anything he hasn't thought of for himself.

Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.

We are all human and fall short of where we need to be. We must never stop trying to be the best we can be.