Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad PDF

Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad CODE: CE73/ BA273/ BA108/ CE64 José Rizal, a towering figure in Philippine history, was a man of many talents. He was a physician, novelist, poet, and revolutionary. He was born in the Philippines in 1861, a time when the country was under Spanish...

Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad CODE: CE73/ BA273/ BA108/ CE64 José Rizal, a towering figure in Philippine history, was a man of many talents. He was a physician, novelist, poet, and revolutionary. He was born in the Philippines in 1861, a time when the country was under Spanish colonial rule. Rizal was a brilliant student, and he excelled in his studies. He received his early education in the Philippines, and later went on to study in Europe. It was during his time abroad that Rizal developed his revolutionary ideas, ideas that would eventually lead to the Philippine Education at the Ateneo: June 1872- Jose was sent to Manila to study at the Ateneo Municipal Ateneo was the former Escuela Pia or Charity school of Manila under the supervision of Jesuits. Ateneo was the counterpart of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Don Francisco changed his mind and decided to send Rizal to Ateneo Municipal. Rizal almost did not enroll by the school registrar Fr. Magin Fernando because of two reasons: He was late for registration He was appeared to be frail and sickly.  Through the intercession of Manuel Burgos, Jose was able to enter Ateneo. Jose used the surname “Rizal” for the first time. Jose was called an “externo” or living out student during his days in Ateneo Municipal. Fr. Jose Bech- First professor of Jose in Ateneo. Jesuits system of education encouraged competition among students. Rizal was placed at the bottom of the class and assigned with the Carthaginians.  The class was divided into two groups: ✔ Carthaginians -Non-boarder of Ateneo) ✔ Roman-the boarder inside Ateneo ▪ The best student: Emperor ▪ Second best student: Tribune ▪ Third best student: Decurion ▪ The fourth best student: Centurion ▪ The Fifth best student: Standard Bearer ▪ With in the empire, the students fought for these positions by challenging the ones holding the rank to answer questions based on the day’s lesson. ▪ Historia Universal by Cesar Cantu ▪ The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas ▪ Travels to the Philippines by Feodor Jagor  Jose took a private lessons in Santa Isabel College during break time to improve his knowledge of Spanish. After a month, Rizal became the emperor and he was considered as the brightest student of the class. In his second year and third year in Ateneo, nothing usual happened to Rizal. In his fourth year in Ateneo, Rizal inspired to study hard and to write poetry by one of his best professors, Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez – a great educator and scholar. He expressed his ideas on the value of education in his poem “ Through Education The Motherland Receives Light” Mi Primera Inspiracion ( My First Inspiration)- a poem dedicated to his mother on her birthday.  In Memory of My Town- a tender poem in honor of Calamba Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education – its shows the importance of religion in education. A Farewell Dialogue of the Students- the last poem, written by Rizal in Ateneo. He excelled in all subjects and won 5 medals at the end of the school term. March 23,1877- he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts with honors.  Rizal’s Studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) After Rizal completed his education at the Ateneo, his mother wanted him to return home and look after family business. April 1877- Rizal was 16 year old, enrolled at the UST taking Philosophy and Letters. Rizal was still unsure and what course to take. He tried to seek guidance from Fr. Pablo Ramon but since he was in Mindanao For his first term, Rizal studied at the Philosophy program. In the following term he decided to shift to medicine.  His decision was prompted by his desire to: ✔ Cure his mother’s failing eyesight ✔ Fr. Ramon wrote back advising Jose to take up medicine ✔ Highly in demand course. Rizal entered a very different world in UST as a student. Rizal spent his time studying. He returned to Ateneo to take up a land surveying course which was then a vocational course. He completed the surveyor’s course and was awarded the title of “Perito Agrimensor”  Experience of Spanish Brutality: Rizal experienced his first taste of brutality during his first year of medical studies at UST. One night while he was walking alone a dark street, Rizal failed to recognize the Spanish civil guard, passing by his side, thus he did not bow, salute or greet the man. At a striking distance, the civil guard whipped Rizal mercilessly at the back with a stingray tail ( buntot pagi)  Literary Works of Rizal in UST To the Filipino Youth –A La Juventud Filipina- a winning masterpiece which he submitted in the literacy contest held by Liceo Artistico Literario of Manila “ The youth is the fair hope of our Motherland” The Council of Gods- El Consejo De Los Dioses- it was another contest of Liceo Artistico Literario to commemorate the death of Miguel Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. The jury which was composed of Spaniards awarded Rizal the grand prize. The Spanish community especially the press was appalled upon learning that the author was an indio.  The study of Rizal at the University of Santo Tomas was not meaningful and fruitful just like when he was at Ateneo. Rizal, after completing his four years in Medical School decided to leave for Europe. Rizal’s decision to leave for Spain had the blessings of his brother Paciano and his uncle Antonio Rivera. He decided not to seek his parents’ blessing knowing that they will never approved his plan. Rizal's Decision to Study Abroad Despite his success in the Philippines, Rizal felt the need to broaden his horizons. He was increasingly critical of the Spanish colonial regime, and he believed that studying abroad would provide him with the knowledge and perspectives needed to challenge the status quo. Rizal's decision to study abroad was driven by a desire for a better understanding of the world, a yearning for knowledge, and a growing sense of nationalism. Seeking Knowledge Nationalist Awakening Rizal believed that studying abroad would expose him to new ideas, Rizal's decision to study abroad was also fueled by a growing sense of philosophies, and perspectives, enriching his understanding of the world. nationalism. He was becoming increasingly aware of the injustices and He wanted to learn from the best minds in Europe, hoping to acquire the inequalities imposed by the Spanish colonial regime, and he felt a strong knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the betterment of his sense of responsibility to contribute to the fight for his people's rights. homeland. Rizal's Studies in Spain Rizal's journey to Spain was a turning point in his life. He arrived in Madrid in 1882, enrolling at the Universidad Central de Madrid to pursue his studies in medicine. He also pursued a degree in ophthalmology, driven by a desire to return to the Philippines and offer his medical skills to his people. During his time in Spain, Rizal immersed himself in the intellectual and cultural milieu of the country. He attended lectures, read widely, and engaged in political discussions, which further broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding of the world. Medical Studies 1 Rizal studied medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid, a prestigious university known for its medical excellence. He also pursued a degree in ophthalmology, driven by a desire to return to the Philippines and offer his medical skills to his people. Literary Pursuits 2 Beyond his medical studies, Rizal was deeply involved in literary circles in Madrid. He published his first novel, Noli Me Tangere, in 1887, which was a scathing critique of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. The novel's success brought Rizal recognition and made him a leading voice for reform and change. Political Activism 3 Rizal's time in Spain was marked by his growing political activism. He became a vocal critic of the Spanish colonial regime, advocating for reform and change. He joined various organizations and societies that championed the cause of Philippine independence. His writings and speeches inspired a generation of Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedom. Rizal's Travels in Europe After completing his studies in Spain, Rizal embarked on a journey across Europe, expanding his horizons and deepening his understanding of the world. He traveled to France, Germany, and Italy, absorbing the diverse cultures and intellectual currents of these nations. These journeys allowed him to engage with different ideas and philosophies, further shaping his worldview and strengthening his commitment to reform and change. Paris In Paris, Rizal immersed himself in the city's vibrant intellectual and artistic scene. He attended lectures and exhibitions, meeting with prominent figures in literature and philosophy. This period was marked by his continued literary pursuits and his growing interest in the social and political issues of his time. Germany Rizal's journey took him to Germany, where he delved into the study of philosophy and history. He spent time in Heidelberg and Berlin, engaging in discussions with scholars and intellectuals. He also traveled to other parts of Germany, experiencing the country's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Italy Rizal's travels concluded in Italy, where he visited Rome, Florence, and other historic cities. He admired the country's art and architecture, and he was deeply moved by its rich history. He reflected on the parallels between the Italian struggle for unification and the Philippine fight for independence. Rizal's Observations and Writings Rizal's travels and experiences in Europe had a profound impact on his worldview and his writing. He observed the complexities of European societies and the diverse approaches to governance and social organization. He saw the strengths and weaknesses of different systems, and he began to envision a better future for the Philippines. He used his writings to criticize the injustices of Spanish rule and to advocate for reform and change. 1 Noli Me Tangere 2 El Filibusterismo Rizal's first novel, Noli Me Tangere, was a Rizal's second novel, El Filibusterismo, scathing critique of Spanish colonial rule in the continued his critique of Spanish colonialism. Philippines. He used satire and symbolism to The novel was more radical and violent, expose the corruption, injustice, and oppression depicting the consequences of the Spanish that characterized the Spanish regime. The regime's brutality and the growing resistance to novel became an instant success, sparking a colonial rule. The novel was banned by the wave of nationalist sentiment among Filipinos. Spanish authorities, but it further fueled the nationalist movement. 3 Essays and Poems In addition to his novels, Rizal wrote numerous essays and poems that addressed social, political, and cultural issues. He wrote about education, religion, and the importance of national identity. His writings served as a powerful call to action, inspiring Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedom. Rizal's Influence on the Philippine Revolution Rizal's writings and ideas had a profound impact on the Philippine Revolution. His novels and essays exposed the injustices of Spanish rule and inspired a generation of Filipinos to fight for their freedom. His writings became a rallying cry for the revolution, and they provided a philosophical and moral framework for the struggle for independence. Nationalism Rizal's writings ignited a sense of nationalism among Filipinos, inspiring them to fight for their own identity and their right to self-determination. He emphasized the importance of national unity and the need to overcome divisions and work together to achieve freedom. Intellectual Foundation Rizal's writings provided an intellectual foundation for the revolution. He challenged the legitimacy of Spanish rule, exposing the corruption and injustice of the colonial regime. His ideas about reform and change fueled the revolutionary movement and gave it a clear purpose. Mass Movement Rizal's writings reached a wide audience, sparking a mass movement for reform and change. His ideas resonated with Filipinos from all walks of life, uniting them in their fight against Spanish colonialism. He became a symbol of hope and resistance, inspiring people to fight for their freedom. Rizal's Legacy and Impact Rizal's legacy continues to inspire Filipinos today. He is revered as a national hero, and his writings and ideas continue to be studied and debated. His life and work stand as a testament to the power of education, the importance of fighting for justice, and the strength of the human spirit. Rizal's impact on the Philippines is immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in the fight for independence, and his ideas continue to shape the country's identity and its pursuit of progress. Impact Description Nationalism Rizal's writings ignited a sense of nationalism among Filipinos, inspiring them to fight for their own identity and their right to self-determination. Education Rizal emphasized the importance of education for personal and national development, and he advocated for the establishment of a strong educational system in the Philippines. Social Reform Rizal addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, and injustice, advocating for reforms that would improve the lives of Filipinos.