But to accomplish these prerequisites, the Filipinos would not only have to

develop a sense of nationhood, but, individually a sense of self-knowledge as well.

He observed that the European nations' success hinged on the character of its
individuals: reaching for their highest potential required individual self-confidence
bolstered with courage, determination, world knowledge, tenacity, discipline and a
free environment. Only in a relatively free environment, like Europe and the United
States, could the development of such competent character -- a character
resembling Nietzsche's "Ubermensch (Superman)" -- occur. And only through self-
knowledge can the individual develop self-confidence. The thrust of this lesson in
self-knowledge embodies three cores: one's past (history/identity), one's present
(current situation), and one's future (reaching for the highest potential). He knew the
Filipino people, with our collective self-knowledge and confidence, would develop a
sense of nationhood. The effort to make the large number of illiterate Filipinos grasp
these concepts would be arduous but not impossible. To pave the way for Filipinos to
begin their soul-searching quest, Rizal focused on the past.
From her shores, the First Filipino will return to his country renewed with vigor,
strengthened by the French ideas of liberte, fraternite and egalite, hopeful that his sojourn in
Europe made him a better Filipino. Influenced by the French Revolution’s ideas, impressed by
German ingenuity, Rizal was so hopeful that one day the Philippines would be considered one of
Spain’s provinces. Europe was in his heart, but his heart was still for the Philippines.

The great European countries of Spain, France, Germany, England, Belgium, and Italy have left indelible
marks in Rizal’s life. To simply paint a picture of his frolicking through the continent and burning his
family’s money is misleading and irresponsible. As he went from one country to another, he had a
purpose for each transfer. 

Fortunately, his eventual stay in Europe for further study opened and broadened his mind,
seeing European countries as examples his own country should try to emulate. It is not an
exaggeration to say that Rizal might have felt jealous of the Europeans who were able to freely
discover the wonders of science and mention words such as “reason” and “progress” without
being flogged by the local parish priest. As he set foot in the great continent, he indulged in
some academic and not-so academic pursuits, a young man so thirsty of knowledge.