(Shorter Version)
The life and
works of Dr. José Rizal is extensively studied all over the world, friends, and
yet sometimes we forget what he really wants to impart on our generation.
Besides the overwhelming zeal for knowledge, Rizal wants us to be free – from
the chains of ignorance surrounding our passive generation. His prophetic
writings, though could not be divinely inspired, did occur and we should take
advantage of our present situation to fully grasp the goal of our national
hero. An extensive collection of his writings is at our disposal and we must
use it effectively.
Remember,
Rizal did everything he could to educate the masses on science, humanities and
even morality. Many people think of Rizal as simply a hero who fought against
Spanish rule - nothing else. In many of his writings, Rizal evidently expressed
his desire to educate people. He knows that ignorance hinders progress. We are
a nation of over 100 Million people - most are young and uneducated. Good education
is what we must give them, friends! Only those with the lust and thirst for
knowledge will attain true education. Take note that a forced deed does not
reap good results. Similarly, one who is forced to study may not even retain
what he studied. Remember that Rizal said that “ignorance is slavery”, for he
knows that the abusive can virtually control the ignorant people in darkness. “Through education the country receives the light” said Rizal. The
blinded populace, with their blind guides, scour through darkness (ignorance).
Even in reality Rizal had acted as a schoolteacher in various occasions. For he
said, “so education beyond measure gives
the country tranquilly…” Each person has the right to learn the truth, for
“God gave each person a conscience… to
know the just and the unjust.” We have been accustomed to blame the Spanish
government for hindering the Filipinos from gaining illustrious education. This
is not always the case. Governor-General Weyler would have approved the plan of
the young women of Malolos, but the friar curate opposed the plan. This is
simply one example. Rizal may be gone but another will rise with the same sharp
and truthful tongue.
Rizal praised
the unquenchable thirst for education shown by most Filipinos, shown in the
valiant struggle of the women of Malolos. On the downside, Rizal indirectly
exposed the passiveness of many Filipinos, who would refuse to volunteer for a
good deed because of the feeling of diminutiveness. Situations are presented in
his first novel and this trait reverberates throughout the writings of Rizal. The
Historian Zaide notes that Rizal was slightly disheartened to see his fellow
Filipinos in Europe gambling and flirting rather than fighting for the cause of
the Filipinos at the mainland. This shows that many people are ignorant of his
true responsibilities. We must utilize our talents, for Rizal said “one must not digest using his neighbour’s
stomach” We are created to love one another, and up to the end of time, we
must do our eternal mission – to serve the Creator. “The individual should give way to the welfare of society”.
Hopeless? Do you know what will happen once ignorance (and indolence, its
offspring) is annihilated? “Whence all
mankind shall become enlightened, when all people become free, when there shall
be neither tyrants nor slaves, when justice shall rule and men shall become
citizen of the world, the cult of science alone shall remain.” And who says
religion distorts science? Energy cannot be created nor destroyed? Yes. Ergo, the spirit of man shall not
vanish, but shall move into a different place after death. Nature and its laws
show the work of a Supreme Being, and ignorance of such is also foolishness. Rizal himself is aware that many have
undertaken to study the laws of nature, but they did not realize the true author
of such laws. Information, now easily accessible, is at our disposal. Let not
hubris envelop our enlightened souls, but let us use our current position to
reach to those people walking in
darkness. This is a noble mission, for Rizal said “It is a useless life [if not] consecrated to a great deal.” He also
said, “Genius has no country. It blossoms
everywhere!” This shows that knowledge is not inherent to a particular
race.
Thus, Rizal deserves
to be honoured as one of the first great Filipino intellectuals. His writings,
reflecting his enlightened intelligent mind, are until now useful for our
society. He broke the chains of ignorance, and showed that others, with the
proper intention, can do likewise. Education, supported by unadulterated
religion and science, is the best weapon we can use against ignorance. Enlightened
people are now free to express the truth. All we need to do is break the
passiveness and apathy of our fellowmen, and lo, progress and order will come.
Let us continue the work of Rizal! Learn from his writings, and ultimately,
hear the words of his Master!
Ergo, veritas vos liberabit a vinculis
ignorantia!
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