Nicolaus Copernicus

The universe is a sphere, and the earth is a sphere, and the planets are spheres, and the stars are spheres, and all things are in perfect harmony.

The motion of the earth alone, therefore, can explain so many apparent inequalities in the heavens, and it is a simple and elegant solution, and it is the truth.

The sun is the center of the universe, and all the planets revolve around it in perfect circles, and this is the order of the universe.

The earth rotates on its axis once every day, and revolves around the sun once every year, and this causes the seasons, and this is the rhythm of life.

The moon revolves around the earth once every month, and this causes the tides, and this is the pulse of the ocean.

The stars are fixed in the heavens, and do not move, but they appear to move because of the motion of the earth, and this is the illusion of the heavens.

The universe is infinite, and there are an infinite number of stars, and an infinite number of planets, and this is the vastness of creation.

The earth is not the center of the universe, but merely one of the planets, and it is not unique, and this is the humility of man.

The motion of the earth causes the apparent motion of the sun and stars, and this is a simple and elegant explanation, and it is the truth, and it is the beauty of science.

The earth is a planet, and like all other planets, it revolves around the sun in a perfect circle, and this is the dance of the heavens.

The earth also is spherical, since it presses upon its center from every direction.

In the center of all rests the Sun. For who would place this lamp of a very beautiful temple in another or better place than this from which it can illuminate everything at the same time?

For I am not so much in love with my conclusions as not to weigh what others may have thought of them.

Nor do I doubt that skillful and learned astronomers will agree with me if they acquire familiarity with this work of mine.

The first principle is that the heavens are spherical.

We regard it as permissible to put forward bold hypotheses, provided they are accompanied by appropriate safeguards.

The universe is a sphere without a center.

The stars are so remote that they seem to be fixed in their positions.

I have undertaken this work not because I want to win praise, but because I am compelled by the love of truth.

The motions are circular because the heavens are spherical.