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.<p>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&#x27;t seem to be the humble type.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.isaacnewton.org.uk&#x2F;essays&#x2F;Giants" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.isaacnewton.org.uk&#x2F;essays&#x2F;Giants</a>