CARRION, JOLLYFULL D.

RIZAL
PREFINAL
Asgmt no.1
THE TURNING POINT

Rizal’s rejection of the Katipunan’s intent to stage an armed rebellion is a matter of great
significance when examining his role in Philippine history. As a prominent figure in the
Philippine Revolution, Rizal’s stance on armed uprising deserves critical analysis.
Firstly, it is important to understand Rizal’s ideology and philosophy. Rizal was a staunch
advocate of peaceful reforms and fought for the rights and welfare of the Filipino people through
intellectual means. He firmly believed in education, enlightenment, and exposing the injustices
and abuses of the Spanish colonial regime through his writings and advocacy. Rizal’s rejection of
the Katipunan’s armed rebellion was consistent with his belief in pursuing change through
peaceful and non-violent methods. Rizal’s rejection of violence can be traced back to his
background in education and exposure to liberal ideas during his studies in Europe. He was
inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Montesquieu, who espoused the principles
of reason, tolerance, and civil liberties. Rizal believed that change could be achieved through
intellectual enlightenment and education rather than armed revolution. He saw education as a
powerful tool to awaken the consciousness of the Filipino people and foster a sense of national
identity, which would eventually lead to the attainment of freedom and independence.
Additionally, Rizal recognized the consequences that armed rebellion could bring upon the
Filipino people. He understood that engaging in armed conflict would result in bloodshed, loss of
lives, and destruction, not only for the revolutionaries but also for innocent civilians caught in
the crossfire. Rizal’s rejection of armed rebellion can be seen as a pragmatic and ethical
approach, preserving the greater good and long-term interests of the Filipino people. However, it
is important to note that Rizal’s rejection of the Katipunan’s armed rebellion does not mean he
was passive in the face of oppression. On the contrary, his writings and peaceful activism served
as a wake-up call to the Filipinos, instilling in them a sense of national pride and a desire for self-
determination. Rizal’s execution by the Spanish authorities further fueled the flames of
revolution and galvanized the Filipino people towards independence.
In conclusion, Rizal’s rejection of the Katipunan’s intent to stage an armed rebellion was a
reflection of his belief in peaceful reforms, education, and intellectual enlightenment. While
some may argue that armed rebellion was necessary to achieve independence, Rizal’s approach
focused on laying the foundations for long-term change through non-violent means. His rejection
of violence should be viewed as a strategic decision rooted in a deeper understanding of the
consequences it would bring upon the Filipino people.