Leader Literature Research
Literature Research: Dr. Jose Rizal
Bro. Jesus Ambion Beluso
Leadership
Dr. Merrylann J. Schuttloffel
Professor
June 27, 2011
Leader Literature Research
Introduction:
I chose Dr. Jose Rizal because of his unique image in the Philippines. He is wellknown as a writer and for being a brilliant person. In the Philippines many young people
and parents idolized Rizal in teaching and learning at school and in religious and political
matters. Rizal is the example for every Filipino. I chose him as one of my examples a of
genuine citizen of the country. Anyone can give up; it’s the easiest thing to do. But to
hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true
strength. Heroes keep on working until they accomplish their goal to make a difference in
others' lives. They should have compassion, perseverance, confidence, and they should be
selfless, strong, and fair. They can be either someone you know personally or famous
people who are admired as role models. Jose Rizal is a famous hero in the Philippines.
The life, education and works of Dr. Jose Rizal
Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal’s life is one of the most documented of the 19th century in
the Philippines and Spain. He is a famous national hero of the entire Philippines. To
know Jose Rizal, he was from the rich family born on June 19, 1861, in the town of
Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. He was the 7th child of eleven children (2 boys and 9
girls). His father, Francisco Mercado Rizal was an industrious farmer whom Rizal called
a model father, while his mother, Teodora Alonzo y Quintos was a highly cultured and
accomplished woman whom Rizal called a loving and prudent mother. The first teacher
of Rizal was his mother, who was a remarkable woman of good character and fine
culture. On her lap, Rizal learned at the age of 3 years the alphabet and the prayers. His
mother taught him how to read and to say haltingly the humble prayers which he raised
fervently to God. As tutor, Doña Teodora was patient, conscientious, and understanding.
It was she who first discovered that her son had a talent for poetry. Accordingly, she
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encouraged him to write poems. To lighten the monotony of memorizing the ABC’s and
to stimulate her sons’ imagination, she related many stories. At five years old Rizal while
learning to read and write, already showed inclinations to be an artist. He astounded his
family and relatives by his pencil drawings and sketches and by his moldings of clay. At
the age eight years, he wrote a Tagalog poem, “Sa Aking Mga Kabata”, the theme of
which revolves on the love of one’s language. In 1877, at the age of 16, he obtained his
Bachelor of Arts degree with an average of excellent. He finished the latter course and
passed the Surveyor’s examination, but because of his age, 17, he was not granted a
license to practice the profession until the year 1881. In 1878, he enrolled in medicine at
the University of Santo Tomas but had to stop in his studies when he felt that the Filipino
students were being discriminated upon by their Dominican professors. On May1882, he
sailed for Spain without permission from his parents together with his brother Paciano
where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid. At the age of 23, he
was conferred the degree of Licentiate in Medicine and at the age of 24, he finished his
course in Philosophy and Letters with a grade of excellent He attended the University of
Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg.
Having traveled extensively in Europe, America and Asia, he mastered 22
languages. He was a versatile genius and prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent,
and novelist whose most famous works were his two published while in Europe. He also
produced several works with highly nationalistic and revolutionary tendencies, his daring
novels, and Noli me Tangere, a satirical novel exposing the arrogance and despotism of
the Spanish clergy; which was published in Berlin, Germany. Rizal made no denial, but
merely suggested that the book was a mirror of Philippine life, with types that
unquestionably existed in the country and that if anybody recognized one of the
characters as picturing himself or herself, that person would do well to correct the faults
which therein appeared ridiculous. El Filibusterismo his second novel and a sequel to the
Noli are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that
inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed
revolutionaries against the Spanish colonial authorities. This latter novel was printed in
Ghent, Belgium. Because of his fearless exposures of the injustices committed by the
civil and clerical officials, Rizal provoked the animosity of those in power. This led him,
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his relatives and countrymen into trouble with the Spanish officials of the country. As a
consequence, he and those who had contacts with him were shadowed; the authorities
were not only finding faults but even fabricating charges to pin him down. Thus, he was
imprisoned in Fort Santiago from July 6, 1892 to July 15, 1892 on a charge that anti-friar
pamphlets were found in the luggage of his sister Lucia who arrived with him from Hong
Kong. While a political exile in Dapitan, he engaged in agriculture, fishing and business;
he maintained and operated a hospital; he conducted classes, taught his pupils the English
and Spanish languages, the arts.
His sincerity and friendliness won for him the trust and confidence of even those
assigned to guard him, his good manners and warm personality were found irresistible by
women of all races with whom he had personal contacts. His intelligence and humility
gained for him the respect and admiration of prominent men of other nations, while his
undaunted courage and determination to uplift the welfare of his people were feared by
his enemies.
When the Philippine Revolution started on August 1896, his enemies lost no time
in pressing him down. They were able to enlist witnesses that linked him with the revolt
and these charges were never allowed to be confronted by him. Thus, from November
1896, to the date of his execution, he was again committed to Fort Santiago. In his prison
cell, he wrote an untitled poem, now known as “Ultimo Adios” which is considered a
masterpiece and a living document expressing not only the hero’s great love of country
but also that of all Filipinos. After a mock trial, he was convicted of rebellion, sedition
and of forming an illegal association. In the cold morning of December 30, 1896, Rizal, a
man whose 35 years of life had been packed with varied activities which proved that the
Filipino has capacity to equal if not excel even those who treat him as a slave, was shot at
Bagumbayan Philippines Field. He is considered a national hero of the Philippines, and
the anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal
Day. Rizal's 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine
Revolution.
When he was in Hongkong with such ideas he sailed for home, bearing the
Spanish consul’s passport. He left two letters in Hongkong with his friend marked, “to be
opened after my death” and their contents indicate that he was not unmindful of how little
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regard Spain had in his country for her plighted honor. The first letter is addressed to his
beloved parents, brothers, sisters and friends. To quote his letter: “I realize how much
suffering I have caused you, still I do not regret what I have done. Rather, if I had to
begin over again, still I should do just the same, for it has been only duty. Gladly do I go
to expose myself to peril, not as any expiation of misdeeds (for in this matter I believe
myself guiltless of any), but to complete my work and myself offer the example of which I
have always preached. “A man ought to die for duty and his principles. I hold fast to
every idea which I have advanced as to the condition and future of our country, and shall
willingly die for it, and even more willingly to procure for you justice and peace.…with
pleasure, then, I risk life to save so many innocent persons so many nieces and nephews,
so many children of friends, and children, too, of others who are not even friends who are
suffering on my account. What am I? A single man, practically without family, and
sufficiently undeceived as to life (Austin, 2011 p87). The other letter was addressed “To
the Filipinos” And then followed the quote; “Make these letters public after my death,;”
and said: “The step which I am taking, or rather am about to take, is undoubtedly risky,
and it is unnecessary to say that I have considered it for some time. I understand that
almost everyone is opposed to it; but I know also that hardly anybody else comprehends
what is in my heart. I cannot bear longer the sight of my sister and the numerous families
treated like criminals. I prepare for death and cheerfully shall relinquish life to free so
many innocent persons from such unjust persecution. …I appreciate that at present the
future of our country gravitates in some degree around me, that at my death many will
feel triumphant, and, in consequence, many are wishing for my fall. But what of it? I hold
duties of conscience above all else, I have obligations to the families who suffer, to my
aged parents whose sighs strike me to the heart; I know that I alone, only with my death,
can make them happy, returning them to their native land and to a peaceful life at home. I
am all my parents have, but our country has many, many more sons who can take my
place and even do my work better. …Besides I wish to show those who deny us patriotism
that we know how to die for duty and principles. What matters death, if one dies for what
one loves, for native land and beings held dear? ...If I thought that I were the only
resource for the policy of progress in the Philippines and were I convinced that my
countrymen were going to make use of my services, perhaps I should hesitate about
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taking this step; but there are still others who can take my place, who, too, can take my
place with advantage. Furthermore, there are perchance those who hold me unneeded
and my services are not utilized, resulting that I am reduced to inactivity. …Always have
I loved our unhappy land, and I am sure that I shall continue loving it till my latest
moment, in case men prove unjust to me. My career, my life, my happiness, all have I
sacrificed for love of it. Whatever my fate, I shall die blessing it and longing for the dawn
of its redemption.” (Austin, 2011, p. 88)
The Philosophies of life of Dr. Jose Rizal are defined as the study and pursuit of
facts which deal with the ultimate reality or causes of things as they affect life.
The philosophy of a country like the Philippines is made up of the intricate and composite
interrelationship of the life histories of its people; in other words, the philosophy of our
nation would be strange and undefinable if we do not delve into the past tied up with the
notable life experiences of the representative personalities of our nation. Being one of the
prominent representatives of Filipino personalities, Jose Rizal is a fit subject whose life
philosophy deserves to be recognized. Having been a victim of Spanish brutality early in
his life in Calamba, Rizal had thus already formed the nucleus of an unfavorable opinion
of Castillian imperialistic administration of his country and people. Pitiful social
conditions existed in the Philippines as late as three centuries after its conquest by Spain,
with agriculture, commerce, communications and education languishing under its most
backward state. It was because of this social malady that social evils like inferiority
complex, cowardice, timidity and false pride pervaded nationally and contributed to the
decay of social life. This stimulated and shaped Rizal’s life philosophy to be to contain if
not eliminate these social ills.
Rizal’s concept of the importance of education is clearly enunciated in his work
entitled Instruction wherein he sought improvements in the schools and in the methods of
teaching. He maintained that the backwardness of his country during the Spanish era was
not due to the Filipinos’ indifference, apathy or indolence as claimed by the rulers, but to
the neglect of the Spanish authorities in the islands. For Rizal, the mission of education is
to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality.
Since education is the foundation of society and a prerequisite for social progress; Rizal
claimed that only through education could the country be saved from domination. Rizal’s
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philosophy of education, therefore, centers on the provision of proper motivation in order
to bolster the great social forces that make education a success, to create in the youth an
innate desire to cultivate his intelligence and give him life eternal.
The leadership of Dr. Jose Rizal
In the Philippines when you say Dr. Jose Rizal the people recognize, he is a great
hero; some people say he would be president if he were still alive; others say he is a
martyr. He was the founder; others consider him as Christ like. He is the inspiration of
young people in education and a genuine person. He was a proponent of institutional
reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus
among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that
precipitated the Philippine Revolution. He is the great model for education of the youth
because his first winning poem entitled Philippine Youth in the theme of “growth”. In all
the entire Philippines there are Rizal University, public school of Rizal and movement of
Rizal and many organizations of Rizal. Rizal is one subject matter recognized in the
department of education wherein university, private or public school the Filipinos must
recognize the works and deeds of Rizal as an example of a model student and educator.
To reflect deeply the leadership style of Dr. Jose Rizal, I can say he is an idealistic
man. He is open-minded, intelligent, helpful, fair and hardworking. He did many good
deeds and tried to accomplish his goals; he wanted to have a free country. He liked to
have a perfect nation in a peaceful country where everyone must have equal rights and no
one dominating. He is brave too, although it is not easy to act courageously in the time of
the colonization of Spain. He is a truthful man who doesn’t like the Filipino people to be
oppressed by others. He isn’t afraid to die for the sake of his country. He is the leader
willing to dedicate himself to die for his country. Unfortunately he forgot himself and his
personal safety to help his people until he died.
In Rizal’s political view, he said a conquered country like the Philippines should
not be taken advantage of but rather should be developed, civilized, educated and trained
in the science of self-government. Rizal is regarded to be the epitome of Filipino heroes
and one of the greatest Filipinos who ever lived. Considered a visionary, his literary
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works, which exposed the ills of Philippine society in his time, were proof of his patriotic
fight against colonialism, as well as his genius. The social philosophy of Rizal is the body
of knowledge relating to society including the wisdom of man's experience in society.
The facts dealt with are principles involved in nation building and not individual social
problems. The subject matter of this social philosophy covers the problems of the whole
race, with every problem having a distinct solution to bolster the people’s social
knowledge. Rizal’s social philosophy dealt with Man in society, Influential factors in
human life; Racial problems, Social justice, Social ideal, Poverty and wealth, Reforms,
Youth and greatness, history and progress, future Philippines. For Rizal these deal with
man’s evolution and his environment, explaining for the most part human behavior and
capacities like his will to live, his desire to possess happiness, the change of his
mentality, the role of virtuous women in the guidance of great men, the need for elevating
and inspiring mission, the duties and dictates of man’s conscience, man’s need of
practicing gratitude, the necessity for consulting reliable people, his need for experience,
his ability to deny, the importance of deliberation, the voluntary offer of man’s abilities
and possibilities, the ability to think, aspire and strive to rise, and the proper use of heart,
brain and spirit---all of these combining to enhance the intricacies, beauty and values of
human nature. All of the above served as Rizal’s guide in his continuous effort to make
over his beloved Philippines.
Filipinos and foreigners alike have paid tribute to Jose Rizal claiming that his
place of honor in history is secure. There are people who know and describe Rizal it was
his Austrian bosom friend, Professor, rector of the Imperial Atheneum of Leitmeritz, who
said “Rizal was the greatest product of the Philippines and his coming to the world was
like the appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance appears only every other
century." Another friend, director of the Dresden Museum who admired his all around
knowledge and ability, remarked “Rizal’s many-sidedness was stupendous.” Another
friend pointed to him as the “versatile genius.” His precocity since early boyhood turned
into versatility in later years. Being curious and inquisitive, he developed a rare facility of
mastering varied subjects and occupations.
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Reflection: insights for Dr. Jose Rizal
Being a Filipino I learn many points from our hero Dr. Jose Rizal. To be a leader you
need to be concerned about your people and country, willing to die for the sake of your
people and the country. Education is the keystone as a leader. You need to learn and learn
like Dr. Jose Rizal who not only being a genius and versatile man had a lot of talents and
courage. The great hero must be sincere and friendly, have trust and confidence in
himself. The leader must act with good manners. In addition to being a genius it is
important for the leader to be humble so that people will respect and admire him as a
prominent person in his country. A leader who has great courage in what he does and
fights for the truth for the welfare of people, particularly people under oppression, Dr.
Jose Rizal didn’t like to dominate other races or other people rather to help educate and
respect people. I really admire him very much for being a brilliant person who likes to
share his talents, his knowledge, and love for his people. He wasn’t afraid to die, he died
but he did great work for the people and in the whole of the Philippines. One hundred
fifty years ago, freedom was unavailable to most people of the Philippines: freedom of
speech, freedom of the press, parliamentary representation. These were things he was
fighting for because they were new to the Philippines. Now people of the Philippines are
enjoying liberties. Right after Rizal died, as the books came out, there were limited
versions of the freedoms Philippines enjoy now. He is the hero who was concerned with
the youth; as he said the “Youth is the future of our nation”. I recognize in his qualities
that he had a reputation that others do not have. He had a gift of being a genius and a
talented person; these are gifts and his gifts he used for the sake of the country not just
keeping them as his own. I am really touched when I read his book and do research about
him; such a great man, he changed the lives of the Filipino people. I really have a great
honor and great respect for our hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
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It makes me reflect on what I have had and can do as a brother and as a Filipino. I
cannot die for my country but to serve with our people in my country is an invitation of
Rizal to me. When I read his autobiography I feel how great a man he is, a highly profile
leader who had integrity, honesty, loyalty and was self-disciplined. I am really proud of
him because he loved us and he loved his people and country. He is the key to global
peace, solidarity, and prosperity. We abide by his edicts that have become the soul of our
county and the solace of mankind. His favorite proverb was: “To understand all is to
forgive all.” The family of Rizal is a big influence; they are a prominent family. A
leader must be willing to forgive the wrong doing and misdeeds of others. Leaders are
devoted and faithful to the people and country
Leaders need to be well educated; Rizal’s mother was the first who discover Rizal
had a special gift of wisdom. The mindscape of Rizal saw that the Spaniards were
incorrect; he saw himself the things that were not good for the Filipino people. He used
his knowledge to do something, to take action to support the citizens. I believe he, the
great leader, is a model not only for his brilliant person but for his values and beliefs
which are remarkable. Rizal is a leader who was brave and with self-sacrifice
accomplished his goal and mission.
Therefore, some character and qualities of leadership of Dr. Jose Rizal guided me
as Filipino citizen and for my leadership skills.
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Bibliography
TEXTS
•Austin, C. (2011). Lineage, Life and Labors of Jose Rizal, Philippine Patriotic,
(Lexington, KY, USA), Filiquarian Publishing LLC.
• Montemajor, T. (2004) Jose Rizal, Jose Rizal University, 5th Philippine web
awards peoples choice awards Education and resource category.
INTERNET
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http://beta.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/17/11/rizal-revolutionary-spirit-truefilipino-patriot
•
http://asianhistory.about.com/od/profilesofasianleaders/p/joserizalbio.htm
•
http://www.myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=Rizal_memorial_ms_06
•
http://www.joserizal.ph/bg01.html
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