Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems

is the foundation of everything, must also surpass them in nobility. Thus, if it ever befell anyone to distinguish himself in intellect far above other men, Ptolemy Claudius Ptolemy, the 2nd-century astronomer who established the geocentric (earth-centered) model that dominated Western thought for over a millennium. and Copernicus Nicolaus Copernicus, the Renaissance astronomer who formulated the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the center of the universe. were those who so loftily read, fixed their gaze upon, and philosophized about the Worldly Constitution Worldly Constitution: The physical structure, arrangement, and laws governing the universe.. Since my Dialogues revolve principally around their works, it did not seem right to dedicate them to anyone other than Your Highness. For, as their doctrine rests upon these two—whom I consider the greatest intellects to have left us their works on such speculations—to avoid any loss of prestige, it was fitting to lean them upon the favor of him who is, to me, the Greatest, so that they may receive both glory and patronage.

And if those two have given so much light to my understanding that this work of mine can be said to be largely theirs, it may well also be called yours, Your Highness; for through your liberal Magnificence Galileo refers to the financial and political support of the Medici family., I have not only been granted the leisure and quiet original: "ozio, e quiete"; in the 17th century, "ozio" (leisure) was a positive term referring to the freedom from daily toil required for scholarly study. necessary to write, but through your effective help—never tiring of honoring me—it has finally been brought to light. May Your Highness, therefore, accept it with your usual kindness; and if anything should be found therein from which lovers of truth may draw fruit in the form of greater knowledge and benefit, let it be recognized as your own. You are so accustomed to being of help that, within your happy Dominion, no one feels any of those universal hardships present in the world that might disturb them. With this, praying for your prosperity, so that you may ever grow in this pious and magnanimous custom, I offer my most humble reverence.