SS014: Thinkpiece No. 2
JOSE RIZAL AND THE 1896 REVOLUTION
Bicomong, Patricia Anne B. 2015101919 History tells us that Dr. Jose Rizal became the Philippine national hero as he fought for freedom using a pen as a sword. Rizal is well-known for his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Unlike other national heroes who fought aggressively and through violent means, Rizal believed that independence could be achieved peacefully. All Filipinos and even non-Filipinos who study the history of the Philippines know Rizal’s heroism primarily because of his martyrdom. Through many years and generations, historians, scholars, professors and students scrutinize and study almost every aspect of Rizal’s short but meaningful life and his vital …show more content…
Therefore, this question should be given more notice: did Rizal give his support on the said revolution? The 1896 revolution went on until 1901, and just like every other national revolution in different nations, it is regarded as a peak of achievement and a period in history wherein unity, involvement and active participation in the fight for freedom are most evident among the people (Constantino, 1972). Technically, national revolution and national hero go hand in hand as the national hero of the country is usually the leader of the national revolution. In the case of the Philippines, it is the exact opposite since Rizal even opposed and contradicted it. According in the manifesto of December 15, 1896, Rizal stated that from the very beginning when he first learned about the revolution that was being planned, he opposed it pertaining to its absolute impossibility. Moreover, he said that he is most willing to offer anything that could suppress it. Another proof of Rizal’s contradiction is when Dr. Pio Valenzuela, on Bonifacio’s order, visited Rizal during his exile in Dapitan on June 21, 1896. Dr. Pio informed him of the plan of the Katipunan to launch a revolution. Rizal stated that this was a suicidal plan and …show more content…
Jose Rizal did not give his support on the 1986 revolution, the fact still remains that Rizal was a revolutionary; he did not just believe on the timing of the said revolution. Rizal was a revolutionist which means he was ready to give up his life for the sake of the country. Did he have his own theory of revolution? I am not quite sure of the answer to this question but I suppose that Rizal’s theory of revolution was education. This is evident in Rizal himself, being a well-educated man. He has deep passion for learning and an advocate of education. He once said that he had never been afraid of the foreign colonizers; he was more fearful of the ignorance of his fellow citizens. Also, I think he is a strong believer of the saying, “the pen is mightier than a sword.” He just put into writing his thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and vision. He did not want to carry out arms against the Spaniards. He did not want a bloody fight that may cause loss of lives of his countrymen. He proved these through his actions; he never let emotions overwhelm him. Moreover, his actions and decisions were always based on critical thinking and analysis. On El Filibusterismo, Padre Florentino said that freedom is not necessarily attained at the point of the sword but Filipinos should work hard by improving their minds and enhancing their dignity. Through this, the Filipinos would be deserving of the freedom. “What is the use of independence today if the slaves today will be tyrants
JOSE RIZAL AND THE 1896 REVOLUTION
Bicomong, Patricia Anne B. 2015101919 History tells us that Dr. Jose Rizal became the Philippine national hero as he fought for freedom using a pen as a sword. Rizal is well-known for his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Unlike other national heroes who fought aggressively and through violent means, Rizal believed that independence could be achieved peacefully. All Filipinos and even non-Filipinos who study the history of the Philippines know Rizal’s heroism primarily because of his martyrdom. Through many years and generations, historians, scholars, professors and students scrutinize and study almost every aspect of Rizal’s short but meaningful life and his vital …show more content…
Therefore, this question should be given more notice: did Rizal give his support on the said revolution? The 1896 revolution went on until 1901, and just like every other national revolution in different nations, it is regarded as a peak of achievement and a period in history wherein unity, involvement and active participation in the fight for freedom are most evident among the people (Constantino, 1972). Technically, national revolution and national hero go hand in hand as the national hero of the country is usually the leader of the national revolution. In the case of the Philippines, it is the exact opposite since Rizal even opposed and contradicted it. According in the manifesto of December 15, 1896, Rizal stated that from the very beginning when he first learned about the revolution that was being planned, he opposed it pertaining to its absolute impossibility. Moreover, he said that he is most willing to offer anything that could suppress it. Another proof of Rizal’s contradiction is when Dr. Pio Valenzuela, on Bonifacio’s order, visited Rizal during his exile in Dapitan on June 21, 1896. Dr. Pio informed him of the plan of the Katipunan to launch a revolution. Rizal stated that this was a suicidal plan and …show more content…
Jose Rizal did not give his support on the 1986 revolution, the fact still remains that Rizal was a revolutionary; he did not just believe on the timing of the said revolution. Rizal was a revolutionist which means he was ready to give up his life for the sake of the country. Did he have his own theory of revolution? I am not quite sure of the answer to this question but I suppose that Rizal’s theory of revolution was education. This is evident in Rizal himself, being a well-educated man. He has deep passion for learning and an advocate of education. He once said that he had never been afraid of the foreign colonizers; he was more fearful of the ignorance of his fellow citizens. Also, I think he is a strong believer of the saying, “the pen is mightier than a sword.” He just put into writing his thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and vision. He did not want to carry out arms against the Spaniards. He did not want a bloody fight that may cause loss of lives of his countrymen. He proved these through his actions; he never let emotions overwhelm him. Moreover, his actions and decisions were always based on critical thinking and analysis. On El Filibusterismo, Padre Florentino said that freedom is not necessarily attained at the point of the sword but Filipinos should work hard by improving their minds and enhancing their dignity. Through this, the Filipinos would be deserving of the freedom. “What is the use of independence today if the slaves today will be tyrants