Reflection Paper of Life and Works of Rizal

There are many qualities that can describe every hero in the world. Some
qualities that would describe Jose Rizal are intelligent, and hardworking. He really
wanted to have freedom in the Philippines from Spain, so that the Filipinos did not have
to be controlled by another country. He did not care about himself. He cared more
about helping his country. He really wanted his country to be proud of him. Jose also
was very smart. He knew how to work many jobs and had mastered 23 languages. He
also helped other people who needed help. Jose was hardworking in all that he tried to
accomplish. He once said, "It’s a useless life that is not concentrated to a great ideal.
It’s like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice."

Life of Jose Rizal taught me to be helpful, brave and humble. During his exile in
Dapitan, he cured different eye diseases since he was an expert ophthalmologist. He
was so considerate in a sense that he only ask for payment only to the rich people. He
was so humble, though he was so intelligent but he do not belittle his inferiors.

Rizal was a very brave person. He used his talent in writing and wrote poems,
novels and published articles that teach Filipinos about good deeds and inspired them
to fight for their freedom. He was determined to have his people free themselves
through his words and writings instead of fighting; he was always wise and looking
forward as he led his people to independence. Rizal proved that pen is mightier than a
sword. For his expertise in writings enable him to convince his whole fellowmen to
attain justice, thus destroying an empire. For words flies wherever and ignites every
man’s feelings. Just like as a saying says that word is powerful, there comes positive
and negative in it. It could heal one’s heart but also harm another like a double edged
sword. One of these is entitled “To the Filipino Youth" that contains strong messages to
convince reader, youth in particular that they are the hope of nation. He also stresses
the importance of education to ones future. Another one is entitled "Kundiman". He
wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for his motherland. This piece reflects his
high hopes that one day, the Philippines would be free from treachery and injustice. At
the time, the country faced great threats while he was in Europe. And, through this
work, he voices his hopeful thoughts despite being far away from the country. In his
article entitled "To the Young Women of Malolos" he address all kinds of Filipino
women: mothers, wives and single women. He highlights the qualities that Filipino
mothers should possess the duties of wives for their husband and children and a
counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime partners.

Indeed, Jose Rizal did many good deeds and tried to accomplish his goals; he
wanted to free his country. He was well known enough to have to even have his own
special holiday which commemorate his death. We can see a good people but not as
good as him.
STELLA MARIS COLLEGE
OROQUIETA CITY