Nebrija and His Thirst for Knowledge

Nebrija learned to read and write before other children, showing a keen interest in his studies from an early age. At the time, studying involved what we would now call the canons. This meant attending university and training for an ecclesiastical or administrative career.

Nebrija obtained a scholarship to study in Bologna, and in addition to studying specific subjects, he took part in numerous other classes and other forms of study. This led him to realize that there was room for improvement when it came to standards of language and knowledge in Spain.

Nebrija began working as a lecturer, recognizing the importance of facilitating learning among his students. This led him to simplify the teaching of Latin, which he did through a series of documents known as the Introductiones Latinae. However, he was still an exacting teacher.

Cosmography, lexicography, medicine, mathematics, oratory, philosophy … Nebrija accumulated a vast array of knowledge, using language to focus on improving each area.

Nebrija spoke of the need to educate both boys and girls. He had a vision of a complete education, by which he meant a method of developing a person as a whole. Humanism itself is defined as the expression of all knowledge on a human scale.

Nebrija spoke of a preceptor (which we would now call a teacher). He reflected on the qualities that this person should have, and how they should relate to others. The preceptor should be a key figure, part of whose role should be to encourage learning through teaching.

Nebrija believed that education should take place in school, as a place in which pupils could be socialized. He believed that pupils' ability to prepare themselves for the world in which they happened to live would be impeded if they were not exposed to different visions, ideas, and perspectives. He stressed the need to work alongside others.

Nebrija modeled the importance of excelling in one's field of expertise. As a teacher, he was constantly looking to the future, and had a global vision. This method of teaching could be adapted to today's world, with its emphasis on the importance of a global understanding of the environment in which a person lives.