An analysis & Learnings in the Life and works of Rizal

Prepared By: Dela Cruz, Rayna Dane M. Life & Works Of Rizal BACOMM-211
Analysis & Criticisms of Life and Works of Rizal

Before delving into the life of Rizal, it is important that one sets the stage. Rizal was born in the

second half of the 19th century. During this period, the political stability of Spain is withering.

Since the reign of King Ferdinand VII, chaos was prominent in their government resulting to

party strife’s, revolutions and political upheavals due to the tension between despotism and

liberalism in the country. This clearly affected the Philippines as a colony, having over 50

governor-generals in a span of 62 years, therefore having constant changes in the ruling scheme

and a rise in the number of corrupt and incompetent officials appointed in the Philippine

government

In Rizal’s early years, the Philippines was still then under the rule of the Spaniards with General

Carlos Maria de la Torre as the most prominent governor-general 1869. Unlike the other

governor-generals who stepped foot on Philippine soil, de la Torre showed his democratic

tendencies when he dismissed the palace halberdiers, lived simply within his means, walked in

the streets in mufti, and abolished flogging as a punishment which the middle class took as a

chance to enter the political scene and showcase their potential . Another important event in this

century would be the rise of the middle class, the mestizos who had the means to acquire tertiary

education and were given opportunities to travel and study abroad. They played an important

role in the reform movements in the late 19th century.

Reform movements were also taking place to recognize the Philippines as a province of Spain

and consequently become represented in the Spanish Cortés. With this, Filipinos would become

Prepared By: Dela Cruz, Rayna Dane M. Life & Works Of Rizal BACOMM-211
Spanish citizens and therefore free from the abuses and mistreats of the Spaniards, as well as

paying unreasonable taxes the root of the dissatisfaction of most Filipinos. Talks and plans about

a revolution were also taking place especially after Rizal’s deportation to Dapitan in 1896.

That body of knowledge relating to society including the wisdom which man's experience in

society has taught him is social philosophy. The facts dealt with are principles involved in nation

building and not individual social problems. The subject matter of this social philosophy covers

the problems of the whole race, with every problem having a distinct solution to bolster the

people’s social knowledge. Man in society influential factors in human life racial problems social

constant social justice social ideal poverty and wealth reforms youth and greatness history and

progress future Philippines.

Appreciation & Learnings in Rizal's Life

Rizal spent much of his time in self-improvement via self-education. Not only was he busy

academically, but he also learned sculpture, painting, languages including German, and kept up

with the latest conversations globally in philosophy and science. That is why it is important to

study the life of Jose Rizal because of his input towards the independence of Philippines. He

chose to fight for his country through knowledge and the power of letters. He noticed the

continued suffering of his countrymen at the hands of the Spaniards and sought to put an end to

this situation. Where it inspires many people by Rizal's books and words as he wanted freedom.

Jose wrote two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to show people how the

Philippines were being bandaged by Spain.

Prepared By: Dela Cruz, Rayna Dane M. Life & Works Of Rizal BACOMM-211
Aspirations & Values

Rizal always led a frugal existence, including staying hungry at meals to pay rent and skipping

outings to stay on track with his medical education. In Dapitan, even though he won the lottery,

he relinquished all his winnings to build light and water infrastructure, and a school for fellow

citizens, where he taught as well as offered free medical treatment. Rizal spent much of his time

in self-improvement via self-education. Not only was he busy academically, but he also learned

sculpture, painting, languages including German, and kept up with the latest conversations

globally in philosophy and science.

For Rizal's positive attitude and personality of being Responsible, Courteous, Considerate and

Integrity. As a student those are the values that I learned from this subject that I could learn more

and also apply it to the next generations to come.

Prepared By: Dela Cruz, Rayna Dane M. Life & Works Of Rizal BACOMM-211