The "Brethren of the Common Life" was a religious community founded in the late 14th century in the Low Countries, particularly in Holland. They emphasized a simple, communal lifestyle focused on education, spirituality, and personal devotion. The group sought to live out Christian principles through shared resources and mutual support. This community played a significant role in the development of Christian humanism and education in Europe. They established schools that promoted literacy and moral instruction, influencing later educational reforms. Notable figures associated with the Brethren include Thomas à Kempis, whose work "The Imitation of Christ" reflects their spiritual ideals.