Jose Rizal’s life works and writings were influenced by a variety of factors, including his family,

education, his experiences with discrimination, his experiences abroad, and his religious beliefs.

Rizal was born into a family of intellectuals and patriots. His father, Francisco Mercado Rizal, was a
successful farmer and businessman. His mother, Teodora Alonzo Realonda, was a well-educated woman
who encouraged her children to read and learn. Rizal's older brother, Paciano, was a devoted nationalist
who instilled in Rizal a love for freedom and justice. Rizal received a good education, both in the
Philippines and abroad. He studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, the University of Santo Tomas,
and the University of Heidelberg in Germany. His studies exposed him to different cultures and ideas,
which helped to shape his thinking.

Furthermore, Rizal traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. These travels
gave him firsthand experience of the different cultures and peoples of the world. They also helped him
to see the problems of his own country from a different perspective.

Rizal also experienced discrimination firsthand as a Filipino. He was also harassed by the Spanish
authorities because of his nationalist activities. These experiences made him a strong advocate for the
rights of the Filipino people.

And lastly, although Rizal was a Catholic, he was critical of the Spanish friars who were exploiting the
Filipino people. He believed that religion should be used to promote love and compassion, not to
oppress the poor and marginalized. Because of this, his writings often criticized the Catholic Religion.