Mankind loves misterys, a hole in the ground excites more wonder than a star up in heaven.

[Mankind loves mysteries; a hole in the ground excites more wonder than a star in the heaven.]

Josh Billings (1818-1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]

Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1871-01 (1871 ed.)
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Reused in Everybody's Friend, Or; Josh Billing's Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 148 "Affurisms: Ink Brats" (1874):

Mankind loves misterys -- a hole in the ground, excites more wonder than a star in the heavens.  

Cleaned up and expanded in Wit and Wisdom of Josh Billings (1913) [ed. H. Montague]:

Mankind in general love MYSTERIES. A hole in the ground generally excites more wonder and stirs up more curiosity than a strange star in the heavens.