Nicolaus Copernicus — "So that we may not err, we should always follow the footsteps of the ancients."

"For the universe, wrought for us by a supremely good and orderly Creator, is from the very start constructed with the very best and most beautiful design."

"Thus, the Sun, remaining in one place, illuminates all the planets equally, as if it were a candle placed in the middle of a room."

"I am aware that I have made myself liable to be laughed at by those who consider it an absurdity to suppose that the earth moves."

"For it is clear that the earth performs a double motion: one about its axis, and another about the sun."

"In the middle of all sits the Sun enthroned. In this most beautiful temple, could we place this luminary in any better position from which he can illuminate the whole at once?"