The most important scientific revolutions all include, as their only common feature, the dethronement of human arrogance from one pedestal after another of previous convictions about our centrality in the cosmos. 

-Stephen Jay Gould, paleontologist, biologist, author (1941-2002)

...which way

A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows. 

-O. Henry, short-story writer (1862-1910)

...true test of

A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization. 

-Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)

Pinnacle of success

You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity. 

-Thomas Wolfe, novelist (1900-1938)

Mask - and truth

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. 

-Oscar Wilde, writer (1854-1900)