“Heroes are the product of their environment, they respond to the call of the times and their

response to this call had a decisive effect on the lives of their countrymen.” Jose Rizal’s life was
during the Spanish Colonization which was a tragic period for our nation and people. We badly
needed change and it was Jose Rizal who responded to that call which was the start of
everything. “A hero is acclaimed long after his death by people who are not of his generation.”
Up to this day, we continue to appreciate Rizal’s sacrifices and achievements; studying his life is
even part of our education system to remind us how important nationalism is. “A hero is an
admirable leader towering over his peers, who serves a noble cause, exercising a determinative
influence over the spiritual life of his people in a particular remarkable event.” Rizal can be
thought of as a leader who started the revolution against the Spaniards which is definitely a
remarkable event in Philippine history. He cared about our people and used his education- his
talent in writing to communicate/influence Filipinos to unite. “A hero must, during extreme
stress and difficulties, project himself by his own fortitude, by his own sacrifices to be the
inspiration of his countrymen in leading them to the rightful destiny.” Even when Rizal was
captured and exiled because of what he bravely did, not for his own interest but for our country,
he still continued his reform and helped our people. He did not result to violence because he
knows that if he did, he is no better than those cruel Spanish colonizers. “Heroes are those who
have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.” Rizal
always fought for our nation’s freedom and tried to open our eyes to the ugly truth that was
happening in our country due to the Spanish friars who manipulated the system of governing in
the Philippines. “Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and
order for a nation.” Rizal’s sacrifices were the foundation of the orderliness and welfare of our
country. He did his best in protecting his fellowmen and those who were wronged by the Spanish
authorities; he did it purely for our people. “A hero is part of the people’s expression” Majority
of the Filipino people recognize Jose Rizal as the national hero even though there is no law or
decree that states this, in other words, they are not forced to pick Rizal as their national hero. “A
hero is an event making man who thinks of the future generations.” There is no doubt that Rizal
played a major role in our revolution against the Spaniards and that his actions were for the
future of our country and countrymen. In conclusion, Jose Rizal fits the definition of a hero
because he dedicated and sacrificed his life for goodness of our nation; for freedom from cruelty
and injustice by the colonizers. He fought for our freedom not by using violent means but
through his pen, writing about his love for his country. Even when he was about to be executed,
he wrote “My Last Farewell” which spoke about attaining freedom after hardships and sacrifices
that does not necessarily mean fighting in a warzone. Rizal’s writings were like weapons; they
were mostly centered on rights and freedom of Filipinos which truly made an impact on our
society.