Albeit his progressiveness was met with some opposition, the Brethren recognized Comenius’ wisdom and consecrated him as bishop in the Unity of the Brethren in 1632. Comenius believed in the immanence of God and the imminence of God's kingdom on Earth. Despite the raging war in Europe, he was confident that humanity will find a better way. Comenius saw children as God’s most precious gift, noting that “a child is a precious gem above rubies, but fragile above glass.” Advocating against corporal punishment, he urged love towards children, as they are the future. He thought that education should begin at a very early age with mothers being the teachers, publishing his views in the book The School of Infancy. It was the world’s first book which concentrated on fundamental pre-school education for children up to age six.
Illustration by Renáta Fučíková