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JAN AMOS COMENIUS AND HIS QUEST FOR ENNOBLING MAN’S LIFE
Abstract
In 2020, the Czech Republic commemorated an anniversary of a significant humanistic thinker, writer, and theologist, whose importance has exceeded the borders of the Czech lands. Jan Amos Comenius (28 March 1592 – 15 November 1670) is a leading representative of the Czech culture of the 17th century, and he became famous, especially as an author of didactic works, which represented a breakthrough in the field of education and inspired the way to modern educational methods. These works were based on Comenius’ tireless effort to look for didactic means to spread the knowledge he managed to gather. Thanks to these innovations, he became known as the teacher of nations. The aim of this paper is to present some of his most significant works in this area. The following part of the paper will focus on another aspect of his versatile activities in connection with the difficulties experienced by the Czech nation during the tragic and turbulent times after the Battle of White Mountain and the ban on non-Catholic religions. At that time, many Czech scholars emigrated. A substantial part of Comenius’ work is devoted to expressing his feelings concerning the destiny of his nation and looking for ways to comfort and encourage those living in exile. In this respect, this paper will analyse one of his most significant works, the allegory The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart. The paper will also deal with Comenius’ activities related to the Unity of the Brethren, which published the Kralice Bible – an important achievement for the Czech language and culture. In the midst of turbulent and wartime times, Comenius, in the spirit of his humanistic mission, realised that to improve conditions in the world, the spiritual renewal of humanity was necessary, and he devoted his life to searching for ways of ennobling man’s life.
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