Hist 17 (1:30-3:00 TTH)

Jose Rizal: The best the Filipino could be

I. Summary

The article speaks about our extraordinary hero, Jose Rizal. He was a
threat to the Spaniards because of his being proud and capable Indio. He
took risks and stood for his nation by using his knowledge – by writing, not by
violence. No one better represented the best that the Filipino could be.

II. Salient Points of the Article

 But he wasn’t just saying no to oppression, he was also saying yes to

enlightenment.
 Those who cannot see where they came from will never get to where
they are going.
 He wasn’t just one to preach, he was one to do as he preached.
 Revolution isn’t just about taking over a state, or grabbing power, it is
also about empowering the people; it is also about making the people
realize their destiny is in their hands.
 There is no greater love for country than giving up one’s life for it.

III. Reaction

We, Filipinos, should be proud and be inspired on Rizal’s heroic act. Every
person has the right to live, the freedom of speech, and the right to religion.
All these rights were never granted to us by the Spaniards. They regarded the
Filipinos as inferior beings. This is the very reason of Rizal’s undertakings. He
wanted the Filipinos to experience the privilege of being persons- to be
treated like human beings. He was brave enough to fight not just for his right
but also for his countrymen who sought justice, freedom and wisdom. He and
his family were victims of injustice brought by the Spaniards.
I quoted this statement: “Revolution isn’t just about taking over a state, or
grabbing power, it is also about empowering the people; it is also about
making the people realize their destiny is in their hands.” In Rizal’s case, he
took steps which could enlighten people and help them realize that we should
not be stepped on and should not be treated as slaves in our native land.
Rizal was a servant-leader, doing what he preached and inspiring others’
lives. He was one of the Filipinos who fought for what is right and just but
among those people, he did better.
We should also do our part. Love our motherland as Rizal did. Let us all
be proud of being Filipinos.