JOHN REY B.

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REFLECTION ON LIFE OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

The first thing I noticed from Dr. Jose Rizal's life was just how simple it was. He did not opt for the
opulent lifestyle that so many of us desire. He had lived his life as simply as possible even before the
Spaniards began to monitor him. I believe it was his parents' efforts that caused him to live in this
manner. I am convinced that one's parents have the greatest influence on one's lifestyle. I learned from
Rizal's life the importance of parents engaging in their children's morals.

The second thing I noticed about Rizal's life was his composure and capacity to think clearly in the face
of adversity. His promotion of Philippine independence is lawful and nonviolent, which is why he
published so many novels to rekindle the Filipinos' revolutionary spirit.

As a well-educated man...

Rizal's educational philosophy is centered on providing appropriate motivation in order to develop the
strong social forces that make education successful, to instill in the youth an innate desire to cultivate
his intelligence and give him eternal life. I learned the value of education as a stepping stone to success
for myself and my country from this ideology. Because there is sufficient desire to study and seek
wisdom, I made this an encouragement to myself that education should not be limited to classrooms but
should extend to all corners of the globe. Rizal's view that awakening every Filipino youth's intrinsic
desire to cultivate his intelligence is something that everyone should think about. His educational
attainment reinforced his philosophy, providing strong support for his educational philosophy and
allowing him the credibility to speak about such a road to educational success.

As a religious man…

Rizal did not believe in the Catholic belief that redemption was exclusively available to Catholics and that
salvation was impossible outside of Christianity, even if Catholics were a small minority of the world's
religious organizations. He also didn't believe in the Catholic practice of fasting as a kind of penance, or
in the sale of religious things such as crosses, medals, rosaries, and the like in order to spread the faith
and raise cash for the church. He also condemned priests for promoting superstitious notions in the
church and in schools. It just goes to prove that Rizal has truly grasped salvation as a free gift to
everyone. This also demonstrates his opposition to the Church teaching of money indulgences for sin
forgiveness. Despite coming from a close-knit Catholic family, Rizal fought for what he believed to be
right. His theological worldview affirms a portion of our Wesleyan ideas, which is a positive development
for which we should be grateful. Furthermore, I discovered that despite his achievements, he
maintained his humility and faith in God.

As a political man…

The study and execution of reforms, the extension of human rights, the training for self-government,
and the stirring of a spirit of discontent with injustice, cruelty, inhumanity, sensitivity, and self-love
proven to be Rizal's guiding political philosophy. Rizal screamed for the independence of his homeland
and his fellow citizens. In his outcry, he instituted changes, pleaded through his writings, and bravely
voiced his objection to the Spaniards' harsh and brutal rule over the Filipinos. One thing I learned from
his life is that he was not afraid of the Spaniards' tremendous power; instead, he allowed himself shine
and speak up about the issues that he and his country were experiencing. This could be the result of a
great desire to set a country free that merits it. In my readings, I also saw that Rizal never desired
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political authority, preferring instead to act as a catalyst who quietly accomplishes big things in his own
manner. He has continued to fight for freedom till the end of his life, and he has fought a good fight
even if it cost him his life.

As a socially-equipped man…

Rizal’s social philosophy dealt with;

1. man in society;

2. influential factors in human life;

3. racial problems;

4. social constant;

5. social justice;

6. social ideal;

7. poverty and wealth;

8. reforms;

9. youth and greatness;

10. history and progress;

11. future Philippines.

I may argue that Rizal is a very humanitarian, caring, and generous citizen based on his principles. His
popular books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo addressed with 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. I've always wished that I could be like him in
some aspects of his life, but I realize that this is unlikely to happen. But what I'm doing is giving it my all
and putting forth every effort to become a useful person in various facets of life.