Roweno Pombo Jr.

The Role of an Individual in History

The article by Leonin E. Grinin was all about how an individual can
make an impact on history, state formation and progress. Grinin then
established the argument that because of such influence on world
development, it is therefore important to analyze the role of an individual in
history.
Grinin was able to set the context of his argument as he discussed the
historical views on the role of an individual in history. He noted that during the
period of Antiquity and Middle Ages were not given much notice and historical
importance. History in these periods gave much emphasis to predestination
and Divine will. The period of Renaissance was a time when the individual first
began to come into the highlight in history-making. Eventually in the 16th and
17th century, individuals such as politicians, scientists and leaders were
considered major history-makers.
As I came to understand Grinins writing, I now believe that Rizal was an
influential individual in history because of the context he was subjected to.
Grinin stated that an individuals influence is correlated to the stability of the
state. Well, Rizal lived in a time where several forces were struggling for power.
The Spanish Colonial government began receiving much criticism and
resistance form the people. Several reformists and revolutionaries argued in
solving national conflict with Spain. Rizal was one of the individuals whose
voice was heard in his novels which became a sensation for the Filipinos
staying in Spain and those in the Philippines. Basically, the colonial
government was on the verge of a social-political explosion and this fragility
allows individuals to take on very key roles. Rizal played the role of opening the
eyes of Filipinos. He had influence some to pursue peaceful means but after his
death, the masses of Indios took arms in a revolt. Rizals death seemed to be
the last straw and that snapped society into a messy struggle.
I think Grinin gave fair points on his argument and I commend him on
the structure he used in presenting the article. His argument was overall
logical and I can say that I can relate it to my class on the life of Rizal.