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Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius), (1592-1670)

Komenský (Comenius), Jan Amos (1592-1670). Czech philosopher and pedagogue. Bishop and theologian of the Unitas Fratrum (Moravian Brethren), exiled in the period of Counter-Reformation. He found refuge in various parts of Europe, including London, where he wrote the mystically coloured Via lucis (1641). His wanderings brought him into contact with some of the intellectual leaders of Europe, especially in Germany, Poland, Sweden, England, and Holland. From his wide friendships he obtained stimulation and support.

His principal philosophical treatise De rerum Humanarum Emendatione Consultatio Catholica is based on the traditional Neoplatonic scheme of emanations specifically modified and enriched by the humanistic idea of restoration of humans to the divine universal harmony by the way of universal reform (panorthosia) and universal education (pampaedia). So conceived, his philosophy aimed at a grandiose reform of pedagogy in the spirit of modern didactic realism. In place of scholastic verbalism it turned to demonstrative teaching, conceiving school as play (schola ludus) and as a workshop of humanity (officina humanitatis). The same principles gave birth to his philosophy of non-violence, peace, and ecumenicity.

He was the precursor of modern attempts at educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation, best epitomized today in UNESCO. It was all of humanity, rather than a part of it, that educed his concern: he sought educational opportunities for people of all classes, sexes, and levels of intelligence.

John Amos Comenius (en - Wikipedia)
Johann Amos Comenius (de - Wikipedia)
Deutsche Comenius-Gesellschaft
Britannica - John Amos Comenius