Quote by Nicholas Copernicus

For a long time then, I reflected on this confusion in the astronomical traditions concerning the derivation of the motions of the universe's spheres. I began to be annoyed that the movements of the world machine, created for our sake by the best and most systematic Artisan of all, were not understood with greater certainty by the philosophers, who otherwise examined so precisely the most insignificant trifles of this world. For this reason I undertook the task of rereading the works of all the philosophers which I could obtain to learn whether anyone had ever proposed other motions of the universe's spheres than those expounded by the teachers of astronomy in the schools. And in fact I found in Cicero that Hicetas supposed the earth to move. Later I also discovered in Plutarch that certain others were of this opinion. . . . Therefore, having obtained the opportunity from these sources, I too began to consider the mobility of the earth.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker expresses frustration with the confusion surrounding the movements of the universe's spheres and the lack of understanding among philosophers. They question why philosophers, who meticulously analyze even the smallest details of the world, fail to comprehend the movements orchestrated by a skilled creator. In order to find answers, the speaker decides to revisit the works of various philosophers, seeking alternative explanations for the motions of the universe. This exploration leads them to Cicero, who observed Hicetas proposing the notion of a moving Earth, and later Plutarch, who documented other proponents of this theory. Inspired by these findings, the speaker begins to contemplate the possibility of Earth's mobility.