Therefore, in the course of the work I have followed this plan: I describe in the first book all the positions of the orbits together with the movements which I ascribe to the Earth, in order that this book might contain, as it were, the general scheme of the universe.

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

For it is the duty of an astronomer to compose the history of the celestial motions through careful and expert study.

In the midst of all dwells the Sun. For who could set this luminary in another or better place in this most glorious temple, than whence he can at one and the same time brighten the whole.

More stars in the north are seen not to set, while in the south certain stars are no longer seen to rise.

Astronomy is written for astronomers

Therefore, when I considered this carefully, the contempt which I had to fear because of the novelty and apparent absurdity of my view, nearly induced me to abandon utterly the work I had begun.