Those who know that the consensus of many centuries has sanctioned the conception that the earth remains at rest in the middle of the heavens as its center, would, I reflected, regard it as an insane pronouncement if I made…

Quote by Nicolaus Copernicus

Topics: Nicolaus Copernicus Quotes

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...

Yet if anyone believes that the earth rotates, surely he will hold that its motion...

Yet if anyone believes that the earth rotates, surely he will hold that its motion...

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...

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

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

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...

So, influenced by these advisors and this hope, I have at length allowed my friends...

So, influenced by these advisors and this hope, I have at length allowed my friends...

So far as hypotheses are concerned, let no one expect anything certain from astronomy, which...

So far as hypotheses are concerned, let no one expect anything certain from astronomy, 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.

More stars in the north are seen not to set, while in the south certain...

More stars in the north are seen not to set, while in the south certain...

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...

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...

I can easily conceive, most Holy Father, that as soon as some people learn that...

I can easily conceive, most Holy Father, that as soon as some people learn that...

Moreover, since the sun remains stationary, whatever appears as a motion of the sun is...

Moreover, since the sun remains stationary, whatever appears as a motion of the sun is...

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.

I shall now recall to mind that the motion of the heavenly bodies is circular,...

I shall now recall to mind that the motion of the heavenly bodies is circular,...

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...

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...

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...

Near the sun is the center of the universe.

Near the sun is the center of the universe.

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...