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Simple observation isn't the most accurate though. Simple observation has planets going backwards in their paths in the sky. That was really confusing when simple observation led everyone to believe the Earth was at the center.

Whatever assumptions anyone makes today is on the shoulders of giants that preceded them.

Why would you know that the sun is the same as the stars?

In 1920 though?

I think people’s default assumptions place themselves at the center of the universe.

It's not wrong, and makes the maths easier ... as long as we're happy to shift our reference point when appropriate, it seems valid to me. The CoM of the local galactic cluster isn't particular useful as a reference and is no more valid a default.

One of my personal /bête noires/ is people who say "the Earth isn't the centre of the Universe" ... it's a valid choice.

/fight-me