THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING RIZAL
The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not mandated by
law for nothing. Far from being impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits that
some contemporary academicians declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is
more beneficial than many subjects in various curricula.
The following are just some of the significance of the academic subject:
1. The subject provides insights on how to deal with current problems
There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view of history
forms the manner we perceive the present, and therefore influences the kind of solutions we
provide for existing problems. Jose Rizal course, as a history subject, is full of historical
information from which one could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the subject,
for instance, teaches that being educated is a vital ingredient for a person or country to be
really free and successful.
2. It helps us understand better ourselves as Filipinos
The past helps us understand who we are. We comprehensively define ourselves not only in
terms of where we are going, but also where we come from. Our heredity, past behaviors,
and old habits as a nation are all significant clues and determinants to our present situation.
Interestingly, the life of a very important national historical figure like Jose Rizal
contributes much to shedding light on our collective experience and identity as Filipino.
The good grasp of the past offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with the
present.
3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism
Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence, especially by
a country under foreign power, while patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to
one’s nation. Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings— especially his novels—essentially, if
not perfectly, radiate these traits. For one thing, the subject helps us to understand our
country better.
4. It provides various essential life lessons
We can learn much from the way Rizal faced various challenges in life. As a controversial
figure in his time, he encountered serious dilemmas and predicaments but responded
decently and high-mindedly. Through the crucial decisions he made in his life, we can
sense his priorities and convictions which manifest how noble, selfless, and great the
national hero was. For example, his many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this
life there are things more important than personal feeling and happiness.
5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking
Critical thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. A philosophy
major, Jose Rizal unsurprisingly demonstrated his critical thinking skills in his
argumentative essays, satires, novels, speeches, and written debates. In deciding what to
believe or do, Rizal also proved his being a reasonably reflective thinker, never
succumbing to the irrational whims and baseless opinions of anyone. In fact, he
indiscriminately evaluated and criticized even the doctrines of the dominant religion of his
time. A course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings therefore is also a lesson in critical
thinking.
6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino
If one is looking for someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice. The hero’s
philosophies, life principles, convictions, thoughts, ideals, aspirations, and dreams are a
good influence to anyone. Throughout his life, he valued nationalism and patriotism,
respect for parents, love for siblings, and loyalty to friends, and maintained a sense of
chivalry. As a man of education, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and
critical thinking, philosophical and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, and cultural research.
As a person, he manifested versatility and flexibility while sustaining a strong sense of
moral uprightness.
7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narratives
People love fictions and are even willing to spend for books or movie tickets just to be
entertained by made-up tales. But only a few perhaps know that Rizal’s life is full of
fascinating non-fictional accounts.
For instance, it is rarely known that (1) Rizal was involved in a love triangle with Antonio
Luna as also part of the romantic equation; (2) Rizal was a model in some of Juan Luna’s
paintings; (3) Rizal’s common-law wife Josephine Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from
Cebu and had tutored former President Sergio Osmeña; (4) Leonor Rivera (‘Maria Clara’),
Rizal’s ‘true love,’ had a son who married the sister of the former President of the United
Nations General Assembly Carlos P. Romulo; (5) the Filipina beauty queen Gemma Cruz
Araneta is a descendant of Rizal’s sister, Maria; (6) the sportscaster Chino Trinidad is a
descendant of Rizal’s ‘first love’ (Segunda Katigbak); and (7) the original manuscripts of
Rizal’s novels (Noli and Fili) were once stolen for ransom, but Alejandro Roces had
retrieved them without paying even a single centavo.
For a more comprehensive discussion on the Rizal Law, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGYIyyQtPi0
Reference:
https://pdfcoffee.com/pi-01-the-importance-of-studying-rizal-pdf-free.html
