Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as

existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. (Blackwell Publishing, 1999)
Philosophy may be defined as the study and pursuit of facts which deal with the ultimate reality
or causes of things as they affect life.

The ideas of Dr. Rizal were the results of many influences: His uncles and ancestors
were not only interested in education but in politics also; his studies and travels in Asia,
American and Europe; his being well-versed in four major languages — English, Spanish,
French and German; his rich studies and researches in the libraries of London, Leipzig, Paris
and Madrid; his famous professors and tutors, one of them the famous Dr. Ferdinand
Blumentritt; his being a keen observer; and, his intense desire to help in the betterment of his
countrymen and the advancement of his country’s civilization. All of these helped in molding
Rizal to become what he is in his life.

Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt

Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt was a teacher, secondary school principal in Litoměřice,
lecturer, and author of articles and books in the Philippines and its ethnography. He is well
known in the Philippines for his close friendship with the writer and Propagandist, José Rizal,
and the numerous correspondence between the two provide a vital reference for Rizal historians
and scholars, including his last letter from prison before the execution.
His works include the translation of Rizal’s first book, Noli me Tangere, into German.
He is still the most important symbol in the bilateral history between Austria and the Philippines
and beyond, between the Philippines and Central Europe. These two men of very different
characters shared many common ideas. They were both able to communicate not only in their
respective mother tongues German and Tagalog, but also in Spanish and English. Through the
years they wrote a huge number of letters; their extensive correspondence is still today an
important source for basic research of Philippine historians. The former Foreign Minister Carlos
P. Romulo praised Prof. Blumentritt rightfully as “a distinguished Austrian whose name and
memory is secured in Philippine history.”

I think that this is the main reason why they complemented each other so perfectly: Rizal
the energetic genius, travelling around the world, Blumentritt the scholar, the professor,
studying on his desk, who never visited the Philippines. This was a perfect combination for a
successful and mutually inspiring friendship between two great men.

Such examples of Rizal’s esteem of Blumentritt’s judgment could be multiplied, but

these should suffice to show that Blumentritt did exercise great influence on Rizal’s ideas. With
this in mind, it is reasonable to suppose that Blumentritt’s religious ideas and attitudes must
have had their influence on the religious ideas of Rizal.