Nicolaus Copernicus — "The movements of the heavens are an ordered dance, and the Earth is a participan…"

"Therefore, when I perceived that these and similar doubts arose concerning the order of the parts of the universe and the symmetry of its structure, I began to be vexed that no more definite explanati…"

"For it is not necessary that hypotheses should be true, or even probable; it is enough if they provide a calculus which agrees with the observations."

"Nor do I doubt that learned and skillful mathematicians will agree with me if they are willing to give not superficial but profound attention to the arguments I adduce in this work."

"The motion of the celestial bodies is uniform, circular, and perpetual, or composed of circular motions."

"In the midst of all dwells the Sun. For who indeed could place this lamp of a better position in this most beautiful temple, than that from which it can at once illuminate all?"