An introduction of this book is given describing Pestalozzi as an educator. In this book Pestalozzi speaks about his thoughts regarding mankind and humanity, the individual, home, the education of man, poverty, justice and liberty, truth and wisdom as well as nature, the World and God. An example, "He who bears the interests of humanity in his breast, that man is blessed."

Swiss educational reformer. Between 1805 and 1825 he directed the Yverdon Institute (near Neuchâtel), which drew pupils and educators (including Friedrich Froebel) from all over Europe. His teaching method emphasized group rather than individual recitation and focused on such participatory activities as drawing, writing, singing, physical exercise, model making, collecting, mapmaking, and field trips. Among his ideas, considered radically innovative at the time, were making allowances for individual differences, grouping students by ability rather than age, and encouraging formal teacher training.