I remember reading an interesting theory about that quote - Newton coming off as kind of a jerk in other contexts, this quote, the theory goes, was a veiled sar

I remember reading an interesting theory about that quote - Newton coming off as kind of a jerk in other contexts, this quote, the theory goes, was a veiled sarcasm towards Robert Hooke, his to-be archnemesis later in life who was also short of stature. It seems, however, that this theory is not very well supported except for the general impression one might get reading about his behaviour in other situations - Newton doesn't seem to be the humble type. http://www.isaacnewton.org.uk/essays/Giants http://www.isaacnewton.org.uk/essays/Giants