" There is a strangely consistent parallel between Copernicus' character, and the humble, devious manner in which the Copernican revolution entered through the back door of history, preceded by the apologetic remark: 'Please don't take seriously - it is all meant in fun, for mathematicians only, and highly improbable indeed. "

― Arthur Koestler , The Sleepwalkers: A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe