How is it, then, that Newtonian dynamics has been seen to be so successful? In the case of celestial mechanics (i.e. the motion of heavenly bodies under gravity), the reasons seem to be, first, that one is concerned with a comparatively small number of coherent bodies (the sun, planets, and moons) which are greatly segregated with regard to mass – so that to a first approximation one can ignore the perturbing effect of the less massive bodies and treat the larger ones as just a few bodies acting under each other’s influence – and, second, that the dynamical laws that apply to the individual
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The reason for classical mechanics success- Limited variance and simplicity. Though, I suppose the simplicity element is not so much related to its successful adaptation but rather it's prominence. As with any great pieces of art there is beauty in simplicity.
