A polymath is an expert in multiple fields of study, like Leonardo da Vinci or Benjamin Franklin. Jose Rizal was a polymath, excelling as a doctor, scientist, engineer, sculptor, linguist, historian, teacher, and farmer. His vast knowledge was exceptional for his time, and he utilized it to further the Philippine reform movement, demonstrating that intelligence goes beyond personal success.

Rizal's polymathic tendencies were evident from his early education. He excelled at Ateneo Municipal, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with excellent marks. At the University of Santo Tomas, he initially studied philosophy and letters before shifting to medicine to cure his mother's failing eyesight. Concurrently, he pursued a vocational course in land surveying and assessment, which later proved useful in Dapitan.

In 1882, Rizal went to Spain to study medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid. Beyond medicine, he engaged in philosophy and letters and joined scholarly societies like the Circulo Hispano-Filipino and Freemasonry, honing his political and intellectual ideas. By his death, he mastered 22 languages, a skill that greatly aided him in diplomacy and exposing Spanish abuses.

Rizal specialized in ophthalmology to help his mother, training with renowned doctors in Paris and Germany. He performed successful eye surgeries in Hong Kong and Dapitan. As a scientist in Dapitan, he discovered new species like Rhacophorus rizali (a frog) and Draco rizali (a flying lizard). He also designed a water system for Dapitan, showcasing his engineering skills, and applied his surveying knowledge to improve farming methods, embodying a problem-solver and nation-builder.

Rizal's greatest contributions to the reform movement were through his literature. His novels, ''Noli Me Tángere'' and ''El Filibusterismo'', exposed Spanish injustices and inspired the Philippine Revolution. He also wrote poetry, essays, and scholarly works, including his annotation of Antonio de Morga's ''Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas'', which countered colonial myths and highlighted pre-colonial Filipino culture. Rizal was also a skilled sculptor and painter, often gifting his creations to his European friends, demonstrating the power of art and literature in awakening national consciousness.

Rizal believed that education and knowledge, not violence, were the keys to the Philippines' progress. He founded La Liga Filipina, aiming to unite Filipinos for peaceful reform. Despite his peaceful approach, his works inspired revolutionaries like Bonifacio and the Katipunan. His ability to consider multiple perspectives made him a powerful force for change, raising the question of his influence had he focused on only one field.

Rizal's emphasis on education, science, innovation, and literature remains highly relevant today, advocating for quality education, STEM, and humanism. His multidisciplinary approach inspires leaders and professionals to think beyond their specific expertise. The Philippines needs polymaths, especially leaders who can think critically across various fields, embodying Rizal's genius as a leader, problem-solver, and a hero who used his intelligence to uplift an entire nation.

Honoring Rizal's legacy means applying his principles, especially in choosing leaders. Rizal valued education, critical thinking, and competence. Therefore, it is crucial to vote for leaders who embody these values: those with clear plans, genuine governance knowledge, and a strong vision for progress. Citizens should beware of candidates relying on empty promises or popularity over competence, as electing unqualified leaders would be a disservice to Rizal's fight against ignorance and for the nation's future.