Chapter 2: Rizal’s Life. Influences

In 1882, at 21, Jose Rizal decided to pursue higher education in Europe without informing his parents. His reasons included frustration with racial discrimination and the outdated educational system at the University of Santo Tomas, his brother Paciano's secret mission for him to learn abroad for the Philippines, and the execution of Gomburza, which sparked his interest in justice and nationalism. His mother, Teodora Alonso, opposed his decision due to her own experiences of intelligent individuals being targeted, but Rizal's departure marked a turning point in his intellectual development, allowing him to experience liberal and modern ideas.

Rizal's travels across Europe exposed him to diverse cultures and philosophies. In Spain, he observed political instability and debates on democracy, while in France, he admired the ideals of the French Revolution. In London, studying at the British Museum, he discovered the pre-colonial Philippines' distinct identity. Germany influenced him with scientific and rational thought through Dr. Rudolph Virchow and Ferdinand Blumentritt, a scholar of Philippine culture. He also noted Germany's industrialization, highlighting the Philippines' underdevelopment under Spanish rule, and observed thriving trade and agriculture in Belgium and the Netherlands, reinforcing his belief in economic reforms.

Rizal was deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and John Locke, who emphasized reason, individual rights, and governmental reforms, leading him to advocate for an educated and empowered citizenry in the Philippines. He drew inspiration from the unification movements in Italy and Germany, believing that a strong national identity was crucial for Philippine independence. Rizal also critically examined the role of religion, particularly the intertwined relationship between the Catholic Church and governance in the Philippines, noting its hindrance to progress due to outdated education and land ownership disputes. He contrasted this with Protestant nations in Germany and the UK, where religion served as a moral guide rather than a political force, fostered education, and encouraged scholarly pursuits, leading to more progressive and industrialized societies.

Despite his criticisms of the church's influence in the Philippines, Rizal remained a believer in God and morality. He rejected converting to Protestantism, upholding his Roman Catholic faith. His European experiences reinforced his belief that religion should uplift people through education and progress, not fear and oppression. Rizal's criticisms were directed at the abuse of religious authority by Spanish friars, envisioning a Philippines where education, reason, and national identity could flourish, free from oppressive religious influence. A study by the Berlin Ethnological Society noted Rizal as one of the first Filipinos to analyze pre-colonial Philippine history using Western methods, challenging the Spanish narrative of an 'uncivilized' pre-colonial Philippines.

Rizal's friendships and collaborations with key individuals significantly shaped his ideas. Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian historian and ethnologist, became a close friend and intellectual ally, providing academic references and supporting Philippine self-governance. Rudolf Virchow introduced Rizal to scientific thinking and anthropology, deepening his interest in Philippine history. In Spain and France, he connected with Filipino painters Juan Luna and Felix Resurrection Hidalgo, whose artworks symbolized Spanish abuses. In Spain, he worked with Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena, key figures in the propaganda movement, contributing to La Solidaridad to advocate for Filipino rights. These connections provided Rizal with credibility and a global platform to challenge Spanish rule, as noted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Rizal's journey offers valuable lessons for Filipinos today. His embrace of new perspectives through travel and education highlights the importance of Filipinos working or studying abroad bringing back insights to improve the country. His commitment to rational thought, democracy, and nationalism underscores education's role as the key to national progress. Furthermore, his collaborations with foreign scholars emphasize the importance of global networks and alliances for advocating social change.