I can easily conceive, most Holy Father, that as soon as some people learn that in this book which I have written concerning the revolutions of the heavenly bodies, I ascribe certain motions to the Earth, they will cry out…

Quote by Nicolaus Copernicus

Topics: Nicolaus Copernicus Quotes

First of all, we must note that the universe is spherical.

First of all, we must note that the universe is spherical.

Pouring forth its seas everywhere, then, the ocean envelops the earth and fills its deeper...

Pouring forth its seas everywhere, then, the ocean envelops the earth and fills its deeper...

Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.

Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.

Those who know that the consensus of many centuries has sanctioned the conception that the...

Those who know that the consensus of many centuries has sanctioned the conception that the...

At rest, however, in the middle of everything is the sun.

At rest, however, in the middle of everything is the sun.

Accordingly, since nothing prevents the earth from moving, I suggest that we should now consider...

Accordingly, since nothing prevents the earth from moving, I suggest that we should now consider...

Near the sun is the center of the universe.

Near the sun is the center of the universe.

For it is the duty of an astronomer to compose the history of the celestial...

For it is the duty of an astronomer to compose the history of the celestial...

Of all things visible, the highest is the heaven of the fixed stars.

Of all things visible, the highest is the heaven of the fixed stars.

We regard it as a certainty that the earth, enclosed between poles, is bounded by...

We regard it as a certainty that the earth, enclosed between poles, is bounded by...

In so many and such important ways, then, do the planets bear witness to the...

In so many and such important ways, then, do the planets bear witness to the...

Therefore, in the course of the work I have followed this plan: I describe in...

Therefore, in the course of the work I have followed this plan: I describe in...

Not a few other very eminent and scholarly men made the same request, urging that...

Not a few other very eminent and scholarly men made the same request, urging that...

I am aware that a philosopher's ideas are not subject to the judgment of ordinary...

I am aware that a philosopher's ideas are not subject to the judgment of ordinary...

Those things which I am saying now may be obscure, yet they will be made...

Those things which I am saying now may be obscure, yet they will be made...

Therefore I would not have it unknown to Your Holiness, the the only thing which...

Therefore I would not have it unknown to Your Holiness, the the only thing which...

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

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

For I am not so enamoured of my own opinions that I disregard what others...

For I am not so enamoured of my own opinions that I disregard what others...

Therefore, when I considered this carefully, the contempt which I had to fear because of...

Therefore, when I considered this carefully, the contempt which I had to fear because of...

The earth together with its surrounding waters must in fact have such a shape as...

The earth together with its surrounding waters must in fact have such a shape as...