PAREDES, ANGELIKA BELEN T.

Buhay at mga Sinulat ni Rizal (GEED 10013)

BSME Prof. Jacinto Valila Jr.

A Critical Paper Summarizing the Life and Works of Rizal

Every hero in the world has a variety of characteristics. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y
Alonso Realonda or Jose Rizal is clever and diligent, to name a few characteristics. He
sincerely desired independence from Spain in the Philippines, so that Filipinos would not be
subjected to the control of another country. He didn't even care about himself. He was more
concerned with aiding his country. He sincerely desired that his country be proud of him. Jose
was also extremely intelligent. He could perform a variety of tasks and spoke 23 languages. He
also aided others in need. Jose put in a lot of effort into everything he accomplished. He once
stated, "It’s a useless life that is not concentrated to a great ideal. It’s like a stone wasted on the
field without becoming a part of any edifice."

Leon Maria Guerrero y Francisco, the author of "The First Filipino," is convinced that
Jose Rizal is the First Filipino, the first individual to demonstrate great patriotism and affection
for his compatriots. The story follows the hero from a small curious child to a fearless soul who
proved that "pen is mightier than sword" to a new level. Jose Rizal, the Philippines' spark for
change. According to Fernandez (2009), Guerrero is a well-known writer best known for his
successful translations of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterisimo. He received his
AB degree from Ateneo de Manila and went on to study law at the Philippine Law School, where
he received a top fifteen ranking on the board examination. As an alumnus of Ateneo, where he
had a Jesuit education, Rizal had acquired a nationalistic-hero name by that time, and as the
most outstanding graduate of Ateneo, he had developed an interest in Rizal and his works.
During the Quirino government, he began working as an assistant for the Bureau of Justice in
1904. In 1950, he was tasked with translating Rizal's works into English, which he saw as
literary exercises. He began doing more translation work for Rizal when he became the
Philippine Ambassador to London. Guerrero's motivation for writing is not only because he has
a reputation as a nationalist intellectual and litterateur, but also because he has known Rizal
since he was a boy and has grown to admire him
 Jose Rizal's life taught me to be kind, courageous, and humble. Because he was a
competent ophthalmologist, he was able to cure several eye problems during his exile in
Dapitan. In certain ways, he was so compassionate that he only asked the wealthy for money.
He was quite humble, despite his intelligence, and he did not dismiss his inferiors.

Rizal was a courageous man. He put his ability for writing to good use, authoring poetry,
novels, and articles that taught Filipinos about good deeds and inspired them to fight for their
independence. Instead of fighting, he was resolved to have his people free themselves through
his words and writings; he was always clever and forward-thinking as he led his people to
independence. Rizal demonstrated that a pen is more powerful than a weapon. Because of his
literary skills, he can persuade his entire community to seek justice, destroying an empire.
Words fly everywhere, igniting every man's emotion. As the phrase goes, every word carries
both positive and bad connotations. It has the potential to heal one's heart while also causing
harm to another, much like a double-edged blade. One of them is titled "To the Filipino Youth,"
and it contains strong messages to persuade readers, especially youth, that they are the
nation's hope, as well as the importance of education for one's future. Another is titled
"Kundiman," in which he wrote a kundiman to express his deep love for his motherland.

Rizal's main purpose was to transform Philippine society by exposing its defects and
then waking the people. His foes included the harsh colonial administration, as well as corrupt
individuals among the friars, members of religious orders who possessed the most power over
the government and so exercised ultimate authority over the lives of Filipinos. It goes without
saying that this was not an easy process.

Liberalism played a role in our political history as Filipinos. It grew during the later
decades of Spanish colonization in the Philippines in the nineteenth century, and it grew even
more during the American occupation in the twentieth century. Since that time, liberalism has
influenced our laws, culture, tradition, and way of thinking. But did you know that Rizal's liberal
ideas were his greatest contribution to the Filipinos?

The scope of Rizal’s philosophy was liberalism. Long before the Filipino intellectuals of
the 19th century embraced liberal views during Spanish rule, he had already fostered liberal
principles in his heart. Indeed, it was primarily because of his liberalism that he is now regarded
as one of the greatest Filipino heroes. His liberal beliefs were the driving force for his death, but
they also cemented his place among the pantheon of great Filipino heroes.
 Rizal's interest in liberal principles began when he was a young lad, as evidenced by his
many publications. His thoughts on the importance of education, justice, individual liberty,
equality before the law, and other topics were expressed in his famous poems, essays, and
novels. Rizal was not only a natural writer, but he was also meant to be a liberalism preacher in
the Philippines.

Rizal’s talent to write became a vehicle for him to convey the beauty of liberal values to
his compatriots, particularly the passel of intellectuals of the day. Many ordinary people of his
time were moved by his ideas, which were so powerful and captivating. These were the beliefs
that drew the attention of Spanish authorities, not only because of their nationalistic zeal, but
also because of their political principles, which ran counter to the Spanish government's
conservative policies in the Philippines.

Rizal thought that liberal policies will inevitably be implemented in the Philippines. Rizal
cautioned Spain in his essay The Philippines in the Century Ahead, published in 1889, that if it
did not modify its stance toward natives, the Philippines would be lost to Imperial America.
History confirmed his prophecy to be accurate. Rizal’s liberal reform advocacy ironically led to
his demise. He accepted it, however, with no qualms. His assassination in 1896 marked the end
of a peaceful campaign for liberal reform and the start of a violent campaign for independence
from Spain. However, it was the liberal Rizal who influenced the separatists to prefer death in
the name of liberty to life under tyranny.

El filibusterismo, a sequel to Rizal's Noli me tangere, was published in Ghent in

September of the following year, 1891. Another vehement indictment of Spanish injustices in the
Philippines, the novel received much condemnation due to its storyline, which depicts a Filipino
uprising. Rizal confirmed his motives in composing the work in a personal letter to his friend
Blumentritt: "I have not written in El filibusterismo my concept of revenge against my enemies,
but just what is for the good of those who are suffering" (Guerrero, 1963). He further states that
the fictitious uprising fails because the protagonist's cause is focused on personal vengeance
and vindictiveness, rather than on popular will or goodwill (Santa Maria, n.d).

The hardships of Rizal's life were chronicled in his well-known book "El Filibusterismo."
As a result, the Spanish friars and officials were accused of conducting anti-religious and anti-
patriotic educational programs. This led to his arrest and eventual deportation to Dapitan.
Rizal's feelings of seclusion had finally given way to a new kind of aspiration, as he was able to
find new love and hope in his life after visiting Dapitan and witnessing amazing things. The
country's revolution had persuaded Spanish officials to commute Rizal's death sentence to put
an end to his harmful thoughts against the Spanish government. It was the start of his new life
as a national hero after his time, not the end of his struggle.

Rizal's Roman Catholic faith was profoundly questioned because of the countless
abuses performed by Spanish and Filipino clergy. Rizal was a fervent Catholic throughout his
years at the Ateneo de Manila, attending daily Mass, saying the rosary, and participating in
school sodalities, to the point of receiving multiple awards for his religious zeal. A confrontation
with Dominican instructors further alienated the young guy, who remembered his family being
mistreated by Dominican landowners. Rizal met several European "liberals" during his travels
who shared his concern for the plight of the Filipinos.

Rizal's Roman Catholic faith was severely shaken by the numerous abuses perpetrated
by the Spanish and Filipino clergy. Pepe was intensely devout during his years of study with the
Jesuits at the Ateneo de Manila, as seen by his attendance at daily Mass, rosary prayer, and
participation in school sodalities, to the point of obtaining numerous awards for his religious
commitment. The teenager was further alienated by the crises of his battle with his Dominican
teachers, which was aggravated by the recollection of his family's mistreatment at the hands of
Dominican landowners. The intransigence of the Spanish colonial authorities towards change
drove the wounded young Rizal even deeper into the arms of the European "liberals" he met on
his travels, who were all sympathetic to the Filipinos' situation. Rizal's questioning of some of
the basic precepts of the faith he had so lovingly acquired from his family, but which had been
used by so many others to rationalize wrongdoings, is unsurprising.

In this self-justification of the "really virtuous man," the Church was subjected to a slew
of critiques. The fact that many of the issues raised correspond to many of the Freemasons'
fundamental doctrines, such as their denial of the efficacy of the sacrament of reconciliation
(confession), their rejection of the Catholic principle of occult restitution, and their rejection of
penance as a recognition of God's forgiveness, is of particular interest. It is also obvious that,
while Rizal's theological understanding is remarkable, he has a weakness in that he considers
penance as merely a sort of satisfaction. Rizal had a strong sense of ethics and personal
responsibility, maybe to the point of being unreachable. Rizal was unyielding in the performance
of what he regarded to be his ethical duty, as seen by his unwillingness to flee Dapitan to save
his own life.
 The need for government to be respectful of its citizens and really concerned with the
commonweal was foremost in Rizal's thinking. On March 15, 1889, the young scholar published
the first of his pieces in La Solidaridad, "Filipino Farmers," in which he depicted a government
that he considered was unworthy of the people's trust and plainly highlighted the repercussions
of such rule:

This system of interference, of unfounded fears, of unjust suspicions not only

irritates and arouses people but also reveals to them the weakness of the government;
for these fears are but a manifestation of its weakness . . . This conduct of the
government injures the real interests of Spain, and by thus causing discontent, the
government appears to be the first filibuster. And since we believe that a country cannot
be served better than by telling her the truth, we are telling it to the mother country so
that she may apply the necessary remedy. (Qtd. in Palma 123)

Even after innumerable sufferings at the hands of the Spanish authorities, Rizal did not
openly support the downfall of the colonial regime, as this crucial text demonstrates. On the
contrary, he cherished Spain, its language, Catholic faith, and culture. However, if Filipinos were
to remain faithful to the Spanish crown, a comprehensive reform program was required, as Rizal
remarked.

Once again, it should be noted that Rizal did not argue for rapid independence from
Spain, but rather advocated for the mother country to really care for and develop her colony.
This could only happen if a robust code of human rights was followed, as well as the destruction
of the clerical elite, which pretended to be above the law is.

Jose Rizal shown his willingness to learn to read and write at a young age. His family
members were the ones who taught him. He learned to read, write, and do basic mathematics
from his mother. Paciano, his brother, mentored him and instilled in him a sense of patriotism.
His desire to learn was bolstered by his father’s ‘massive' book collection in their home library.
Abbé Sabatier's "Children's Friend" was one of the books he read. He was moved by the story
of the moth, also known as the "Foolish Butterfly."

While pursuing his land surveyor and assessor's degree at Ateneo, Rizal concurrently
enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas for a legal preparatory course (UST). However, after
learning that his mother was going blind, he chose to enroll in UST's medicine school and later
specialize in ophthalmology. He opted to travel to Madrid, Spain, in May 1882, and received his
Licentiate in Medicine from the Universidad Central de Madrid.
 Apart from being a medical specialist, a poet, and a writer, Rizal had a wide range of
abilities. He could paint, sketch, and sculpt. Because he spent roughly ten years in Europe, he
became a polyglot, speaking 22 languages. Rizal had varied levels of knowledge in architecture,
sociology, anthropology, fencing, martial arts, and economics, to name a few.

Rizal was an ardent supporter of education and promoted it throughout his lifetime.
While others argue that education isn't required for freedom, it is undeniably one of the wisest
answers to the situation, whether it is totally practicable. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for the
Catholic Church, he was religious. He was simply opposed to the oppression and dishonesty
that a significant percentage of the dominant clergy embodied.

Although many of Rizal's ideas were not novel, he was the first to publicly challenge the
Spanish administration. He addressed his "patria" even as a child, while still a student at the
University of Santo Tomas (Philippines). The effect of his social and political beliefs was the
most important component of his work. Even though he and other enlightened individuals of his
time did not appear to accomplish much in the way of reform, he and other enlightened men of
his time awoke the Filipino people.

Rizal was outspoken in his criticism of the Spanish government, yet he did so in a
peaceful and progressive manner. "The pen was mightier than the sword" for him, and he
exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as Spanish friars
through his writings. Rizal published essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish
newspaper La Solidaridad while in Barcelona. Most of his publications, including essays and
editorials, focused on individual rights and independence, particularly for Filipinos. He also
advocated for the Philippines to be become a province of Spain as part of his reforms. But two
books, Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo, stood out among his best works
(The Reign of the Greed).

Rizal severely denounced Spanish colonial power in the Philippines in both works,
exposing the faults of Philippine society at the time. The authorities also prohibited Filipinos
from reading the contentious novels since he spoke about the country's injustices and brutalities
perpetrated by Spaniards. However, they were unable to entirely prohibit it. As more Filipinos
read the texts, they realized that they had been subjected to horrible abuses at the hands of the
friars. Rizal's two works, now considered literary masterpieces, are thought to have launched
the Philippine Revolution indirectly.
 Rizal believed that the only guaranteed way to firmly implement any reforms he intended
for his people was to use violence. Education was used to achieve this. "On this fight, man's
best weapon is his intelligence," Rizal famously said. He has no more power than the spirit.
Bring your intelligence to the table and put it to work. "Strengthen and educate yourself so that
you will be ready for the struggle," Rizal said frequently in the Philippines. He was the first
Filipino leader to realize the value of education in fostering social bonds. Rizal's educational
goals were significantly influenced by his prominent Spanish author Ruiz Zorrilla, whose mission
was to transform Spain into a republic.

Rizal was an outspoken critic of the Spanish educational system, which he believed
stifled students' innate talents. Rizal's educational perspective, as well as his scorn for the
Spanish system, was expressed through his descriptions of Jesuit schools and their procedures,
which obliged students to read verbatim passages from textbooks. No pupils had ever stepped
foot inside one of the laboratories, which were built up purely to demonstrate how forward-
thinking the institution was. Rizal had no regard for another issue: discipline. He believed that no
one could perform at their best if they were constantly afraid of being punished, and that such a
system hindered rather than helped students learn.

According to Rizal, education serves two purposes: it elevates the country to its highest
seat, and it develops the mind of the people. Rizal claimed that education, as the base of
society and a fundamental condition for social progress, could free the country from Spanish
colonization and allow it to oppose it. Rizal's objectives were uncommon at the time, but they all
sprang from his core convictions about education, which were that it should be universal, and
government controlled.

Rizal believes that the best way to attain freedom is through a silent war rather than a
brutal one. During the early Spanish era, prior to the onset of the Philippine revolution, Noli Me
Tangere was essential in persuading the Filipino people to stand up against the oppressive
Spanish rule. He discovered a way to rekindle the spark in the hearts of the country's population
through his creative endeavors. His book sparked social change by instilling in readers a greater
sense of independence and self-reliance. Rizal composed the book so that most people could
relate to the story based on their daily experiences in society, which is one of the reasons why
the book had such an influence on its audience, particularly the indios.

After being assessed by friars, priests, and other religious officials in the area, the novel
was banned across the country. His writing contains oblique allusions to the Church and the
government. The elites were concerned that Rizal's writings would incite Filipinos to revolt
against the Spanish rule. Even though it was forbidden by the Spanish authorities, copies
circulated across the country and eventually reached the Filipino people. Rizal came near to
achieving his purpose, despite his original intention of just implementing reforms for the
improvement of Philippine society, regardless of the outcome. The distribution of the book
sparked a fire in the hearts of those who had been suffering at the hands of their oppressive
rulers.

Noli Me Tangere was written by Rizal not only to inspire societal enlightenment, but also
to make us conscious of our own flaws and failures. The work informed us and exposed the
harsh realities of our society. It exposed the deception, corruption, and oppression that existed
under the name of religion, turning us into slaves in our own beloved homeland. Noli Me
Tangere, written by Dr. Jose Rizal, was a highly successful technique for teaching a love for our
own country, a profound sense of appreciation to society, a sense of nationalism, and the
courage to battle for Spanish colonialism. It's a call to action, a weapon for promoting social
awareness and fighting for our rights as citizens of this country. It's a book that focuses on long-
term rather than short-term answers.

Rizal wrote extensively about his family, his explorations of the true nature of belief, his
fascination with the natural world, his interest in cultures and languages, and his desire for
justice throughout his life. However, it is evident that his thoughts and actions were
overwhelmingly focused on his motherland. José Rizal's ultimate reality and purpose could not
have been anything other than his beloved Philippines. Rizal lived and breathed a whole love of
the Philippines, from his poetry to his books, essays, articles, speeches, and correspondence.
His life, however brief, was filled with actions aimed at improving the country. The young
intellectual condemned injustice, named corrupt officials, chastised the self-serving, and
ceaselessly urged all his fellow citizens, both Spanish and Filipino, to work for the common
good. Simultaneously, Rizal fought tirelessly to give physical proof of the Filipino people's worth
as a national population. Most Rizal's writings were based on his research of the languages of
the Philippine archipelago, as well as its history, culture, and social structure. His novels, plays,
and most of his poetry are all aimed at confronting and resolving the country's problems.

Rizal's self-sacrifice here shines as the conclusion of a lifetime of crusading against the
atrocities that have afflicted the Filipino people. As we've seen, the patriot's efforts were focused
on preserving the honor and heritage of those peoples, particularly in the face of colonial
masters who attempted to deprive his fellow Filipinos.
 For my own understanding, Jose Rizal informs me the value of several things that are
critical to his life's achievement. God, Family, Country, and Self are the four elements. Without
God, he would not have been able to get so far. The Lord is the most crucial factor that will
decide our success, just as Rizal feared God and was rewarded abundantly not just in financial
goods but also in spiritual ones. Intelligence, skills, love, and compassion are all examples of
this. The role of family is also crucial, as Rizal was fortunate to have a family who could guide
him to his true goals. Family is still one of the pillars of a person's character today. Then there's
country! For Rizal's portrayal of love of country as a means of loving his fellow Filipino, thus
assisting them in obtaining justice from the evil and corrupt priests and Spaniards who are
mistreating them in their own land, because God has created us to extend our help to one
another as a symbol of glorifying Him. Finally, there's Self. I've learned from Rizal's life that you
should build a good living for yourself. He trains himself to gain understanding and information
so that he might use it for God's purposes. He didn't tell himself that he wasn't valuable enough,
and he didn't live in denial about what was going on around him. As a result, he understands
that he is a God's kid.

Rizal demonstrated that a pen is more powerful than a weapon. Because of his literary
skills, he can persuade his entire community to seek justice, destroying an empire. Words fly
everywhere, igniting every man's emotion. As the adage goes, every word carries both positive
and bad connotations. It has the potential to heal one's heart while also causing harm to
another, much like a double-edged blade. Rizal had a God-fearing heart, which is why he was
able to spark change and peace. This means that we Filipinos must have a decent conscience
and a God-fearing heart to bring about beneficial changes.

I felt proud of myself every time I thought about him and all of his talents, I assume
because I am a Filipino. Every moment of his existence taught us something. Every action he
took was for his nation, for all Filipinos, and for our independence. Nothing compares to his
devotion for his fellow Filipino.

Rizal is a very kind, sensitive, and benign individual, in my opinion. Through his popular
books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, he has addressed social issues. He is a
champion of social justice and equality, which is something we should all strive towards. I feel
our society would be in good shape if there were thousands of people like Rizal.

Because of Rizal's efforts and affection, our country has finally regained its liberty and
freedom. His works and honorable deeds have a huge impact on Filipinos. It is, without a doubt,
a good example for the country's education in terms of promoting student patriotism. Filipinos
owe him a debt of gratitude. I hope that his sacrifices are never forgotten, even by future
generations of Filipino youth. Let us at least recognize all his deeds as a payment for all of it
and let us honor him with all of our heart and soul.
REFERENCES

Apostol, J. (2018). Liberalism: Rizal’s Greatest Legacy to the Filipinos. Retrieved from Retrieved
from https://muntingnayon.com/105/105215/

Fernandez, E. S. (2009). The Originary Filipino: Rizal and the Making of León Ma. Guerrero as
Biographer. Philippine Studies, 57(4), 461–504. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/42634026

Guerrero, León María. 1963. The First Filipino: A Biography of José Rizal. Quezon City, PH:
Vertex Press, Inc., 1971.

Palma, Rafael. (1949). Pride of the Malay Race: A Biography of José Rizal. Trans. R. Ozaeta
New York: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966.

Santa María, F.P. (n.d). In Excelsis: The Mission of José P. Rizal, Humanist and Philippine\
National Hero. Makati City, PH: Studio Five Designs, Inc., 1996.

The Manila Times. (2011, June 11). Rizal’s Real Convictions on Philippine Independence.
Retrieved from https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-
times/20110619/281492157937942

Valdeavilla, R. (2018). The Life and Legacy of Jose Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines.
Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-life-and-legacy-of-
jose-rizal-the-philippines-national-hero/