As a 200 Czech crown banknote, many hands have passed me by, and countless eyes have glanced at my face. But not all realize the depth and importance of the man whose image I proudly bear – Jan Amos Komenský. Komenský, or as some might know him, Comenius, was born in 1592 in the Moravian region of what's now the Czech Republic. A bishop of the Unity of Brethren, he was not just a religious figure. He was a visionary in the realm of education. In an age where learning was limited to the elite, Komenský dreamt of "school for everyone," and in many ways, he laid the foundation for modern education. His masterpiece, "Didactica Magna," advocated for a more interactive and holistic approach to teaching. He believed in education that nurtured not just the mind, but also the heart and hands. It wasn't just about rote learning; it was about understanding the world in its entirety. I've seen many advances in education throughout the years, and it always brings me pride to think that many of these modern concepts can trace their roots back to Komenský's ideas. But his life wasn't without struggles. The Thirty Years' War was a turbulent period in Europe, and as a Protestant bishop, Komenský faced persecution. He was forced into exile and travelled across Europe – from Poland to Sweden, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Despite these hardships, his spirit remained unbroken, and he continued to write and share his pioneering ideas. Among the faces that have adorned Czech currency, his is one of the most impactful. Every time I'm exchanged at a store or passed between friends, I hope I serve as a reminder of Jan Amos Komenský's lasting legacy – a legacy that continues to shape the way we think about education today.