Unity of Brethren Tradition and Comenius's Pansophy

Abstract:It is well documented that Comenius's (1592–1670) "pansophic" program of intellectual reform was influenced by a variety of European authors (e.g., Andreae, Campanella, Bacon, Patrizi) and trends such as Ramism and German Reformed encyclopedism. This article enumerates some of the debts the pansophic program owes to a source closer to home: the Unity of Brethren, Comenius's own Hussite religious tradition. First, we examine several ways in which Comenius's intellectual-reform goals and methods echo the search for unity and harmony that was characteristic of the Brethren (internally, in the group's decision-making techniques, and externally, in its irenic efforts). Second, we see how the virtues Comenius prescribes for philosophers in his pansophic writings parallel the virtues considered necessary for religious irenics.