Rizal The Propagandist

RIZAL'S MEMORABLE QUOTES 

"One only dies once, and if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself again." 

"Justice is the foremost virtue of the civilizing races. It subdues the barbarous nations, while injustice arouses the weakest."

"Routine is a declivity down which many government slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous."

"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."

"Without education and liberty which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the result desired."

 "The youth is the hope of our future."

"To live is to be a among men, and to be among men is to struggle, a struggle not only with them but with oneself; with their passions, but also with one's own." 

"On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart."

"He who would love much has also much to suffer."

"I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves for his country and for others dear to him."

"The glory of saving country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin."

"To be happy does not mean to indulge in foolishness."

"He who does not love his own language is worse than an animal and smelly fish." 

 

- Dr. Jose Rizal

MUST-READ WORKS  

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

The poem “To the Filipino Youth” by Dr. Jose Rizal is a message primarily to tell the importance of the youth and their capability to shape the future of our Motherland. Dr. Jose Rizal also expresses his optimism despite the turmoil our country was in during his time. Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at the University of Sto. Tomas. Originally written in Spanish, Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work is beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the youth in particular, that they are the hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education to one’s future. Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma.

GOODBYE TO LEONOR

This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic relationship of Rizal and his beloved, Leonor Rivera. The two met when in the province of Dagupan when Rivera was only 13-years-old. Rivera’s parents were not in favor of their relationship and though distance separated them, the two kept in touch by sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal later found out that her lady love would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings he felt, resulted in this melancholic poem.

TO THE YOUNG WOMEN OF MALOLOS

Addressed to the Filipino women, Rizal’s letter entitled To The Young Women of Malolos reflects his inheritance and issues reminders to Filipino women. In his letter, he addresses all kinds of Filipino women – mothers, wives, and even the single women. Throughout this literary piece, he highlights the qualities that Filipino mothers should possess, the duties of wives to their husbands and children, and a counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime partners. The idea behind this letter sparked after he was impressed by the women of Malolos who won the battle they fought. Rizal advises women to educate themselves, protect their dignity and honor, and live with good manners – setting up as a role model.

KUNDIMAN

A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a man serenades the woman he loves. For scholars, this word was derived from the Tagalog phrase “Kung Hindi man” (if it should not be so) which suggests that people put their faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or not something is meant for them. But in Rizal’s literary work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for his motherland. This piece reflects his high hopes that one day, the Philippines would be free from treachery and injustice. At the time, the country faced great threats while he was in Europe. And, through this work, he voices his hopeful thoughts despite being far away from the country.

MI ULTIMO ADIOS

After being associated with the Katipuneros, Rizal was arrested and later sentenced to death by firing squad for acts of sedition and rebellion. During his final days in Fort Santiago of Manila, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through letters. Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell is one of the few last works that Rizal wrote.