For when a ship is floating calmly along, the sailors see its motion mirrored in everything outside, while on the other hand they suppose that they are stationary, together with everything on board. In the same way, the motion of the earth can unquestionably produce the impression that the entire universe is rotating.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Copernicus uses a ship analogy to explain how relative motion can create illusions of stillness.
- In plain terms
- When moving, we often feel stationary while seeing the world move around us.
- What can you take from it?
- Perception of motion depends on your frame of reference.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does your perspective change your reality?
- What motions feel stationary to you?
Another view
The analogy simplifies complex celestial mechanics which are not instantly intuitive.
More from Nicolaus Copernicus
For I am not so enamored of my own opinions that I disregard what others may think of them. I am aware that a philosopher's ideas are not subject to the judgme…
Permalink to quote #4 Hence I feel no shame in asserting that this whole region engirdled by the moon, and the center of the earth, traverse this grand circle amid the rest of the p…
Permalink to quote #6 To know the mighty works of God, to comprehend His wisdom and majesty and power; to appreciate, in degree, the wonderful workings of His laws, surely all this …
Permalink to quote #3
Related quotes
The motion of the stars over our heads is as much an illusion as that of the cows, trees and churches that flash past the windows of our train.
James JeansJames Jeans quote #1 It is indeed a matter of great difficulty to discover, and effectually to distinguish, the true motions of particular bodies from the apparent; because the par…
Isaac NewtonIsaac Newton quote #20 Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking.
Dave BarryDave Barry quote #4