All over the Internet I see fascinating quotes attributed to someone
named Michael Wikoff.

For example:

"Better to be hated for one's successes than pitied for one's mistakes."

And...

"Put a man in a palace, and convince him he is a prisoner; he will do
anything to escape. Put a man in a dark cell, convince him is the lord
of that space, and he will stay there content."

And while his quotes show up seemingly everywhere, I can't find out
any biographical information about him.

So who is Michael Wikoff (or who is behind the name) and where can I
learn more about him?