Rizal’s Revolutionary Ideas

Rizal is one such leader whose ideas are sought at various occasions and developments in contemporary
Philippines. His efforts in nation-building show their influence on the Philippine Revolution because he
planted the seeds of that revolution.

What are Rizal’s Revolutionary Ideas?

1891- Rizal voiced through two pivotal characters of his ElFilibusterismo the need for re-invigorating
Philippine society through Revolution.

Basilio, a 23 year old medical student, was challenged by Simoun, a clever jeweller, in his plan of
revolution.

Through these frank conversations between the unhappy medical student and the clever jeweller
suspected of fomenting selfish revolution to destroy Philippine society. Rizal suggested that revolution
will end the acts of tyrannical rule and the misery of many setting up a new group of young, active, and
vigorous leaders to work out the new destiny of society.

In expressing one aspect of his ideas on revolution through Basilio and Simoun, Rizal entertained the
idea of using force to accomplish changes.

The idea of changes through force came up in the Noli Me Tangere.

Elias broached the idea of revolution to Chrisostomo Ibarra which the latter vehemently opposed. Ibarra
rejected the suggestion because he foresaw the dire consequences of violent upheavals.

From the conversation between Elias and ibarra and that between Basilio and Simoun, Rizal did
entertain the idea of force to bring changes in Philippinessociety.

Rizal firmly entertained the use of violence when he was writing the Noli Me Tangere from 1884-1887
and after its publication in March 1887 in Berlin, Germany; and again while he was completing the
manuscript of El Filibusterismo.

“I assure you, that I have no desire to take part in conspiracies, which seem to me too premature and
risky. But if the government drives us to them, that is to say, when no other hope remains to us but to
seek destruction in war, when the Filipinos would prefer to die rather than endure longer their misery,
then I will also become a partisan of violence.”

-Jose Rizal (June 19, 1887)

El Filibusterismo- a treatise on revolution

 Rizal reiterated the use of force in defending the rights of the Filipinos.

In his letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar, Rizal emphasized the importance of courage.

"The men who preceeded us (in fighting for reforms) fought for their own interests, and so God did not
support them... We are not revolutionists, neither do we want blood nor do we hate anyone, other
means, when they drive us to the wall, to fight or die, when God gives every man the right to defend
himself as best as he can. Then we will be within our rights and like the North Americans we shall fight
for our just cause, and we shall triumph."

Rizal appeals to Spain to Heed the Lessons of History

Right to self-determination

 Rizal's proclamation November 14, 1888

 72 years later - proclamation of General Assembly of the UN

Letter to Blumentritt

"If a colonizing country cannot make her colonies happy, she ought to abandon them and give them
liberty. No one has the right to make others unfortunate.”

Rizal as a practical revolutionist

 high moral sense of Spanish officials

 heed the lessons of history in general and sad experiences with South American colonies
 "There is imperceptible and incomprehensible logic at times in historical events. It is to be
desired that people as well as government adjust themselves to it."

Historical warnings of Rizal

 History does not record in its annals any enduring rule of one people over another
 Nothing in the world remains stationary
 Moral progress of the Philippines is inevitable
 Spanish-Filipino relations
 Peaceful evolution using justice

"Spain! Have we to say one day to the Philippines that you are deaf to her ills and that if she wants to be
saved she should redeem herself alone."

-Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Rizal Is Not for Armed Revolution

In Noli me Tangere, Rizal killed Elias

In El Filibusterismo, Rizal skillfully executed the death of Simoun

July 1, 1896- Dr. Pio Valenzuela visited Rizal in Dapitan to sound him out on the revolution being planned
by the Katipuneros

Rizal refused armed rebellion because the country was not prepared for it.

December 15, 1896

"In my writings, I have recommended study,civic virtues, without which redemption is impossible. I have
also written (and my words have been repeated) that reforms, in order to be fruitful must come from
above, that those that come from below are shaky, irregular and insecure. Nurtured in those ideas, I
can't but condemn and I do condemn that absurd savage uprising, plotted behind my back, that
dishonors the Filipinos and discredits those who can intercede in our behalf."

RIZAL PLANTS THE SEEDS OF THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION

Jose Rizal

 "Philosopher" of Philippine revolution

 setting a chain of reacion from activities based on a policy of assimilation to struggles for
separation
 studied patiently the history of nations under colonial administrations
 he drew from these studies the things needed in forming Filipino nation
 numerous ideas in his letters and writings

Democratic Revolution

-written by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos

Rizal's contribution to the building of Filipino nation:

 Rizal sought to give his people their national identity

 working for personal integrity
 social commitment to develop self-confidence, self-determination & self-reliance
 advancing the welfare of the people - the goal of national development
 his appeal for the Filipinos to work together unselfishly- the goal for national survival

Rizal's prediction came true:

"Tomorrow w e shall be citizens of the Philippines, whose destiny will be a glorious one, because it will be
in loving hands. Ah, yes, the future is ours! I see it rose-tinted. I see movement that stirs the life of these
regions so long dead, lethargic."

-Dr. Jose Rizal