Why Study the Jose Rizal Subject?
Copyright © by Jensen DG. Mañebog/ MyInfoBasket.com
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.
For comprehensive home page of interesting and informative lectures/article about Rizal, check: Jose Rizal: Basic Facts and FAQs about the Filipino Hero
The following are just some of the significance of the Jose Rizal as an academic subject according to professorial lecturer emeritus and textbook author Jensen DG. Mañebog:
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.
Read: Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Phenom by Jensen DG. Mañebog
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.
Check out: Jose Rizal’s Collaborations with Other Heroes by Jensen DG. Mañebog
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.
Read: The Interesting Tales of the Jose Rizal Family by Jensen DG. Mañebog
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.
Read Also:
The Interesting Tales of the Jose Rizal Family by Jensen DG. Mañebog
For instance, it is rarely known that:
(1) Rizal was involved in a love triangle with Antonio Luna (Yes, the Heneral 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;
Read: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal by Jensen DG. Mañebog
(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 novel (Noli and Fili) were once stolen for ransom, but Alejandro Roces had retrieved them without paying even a single centavo. All of these and more can be read here:
The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal by Jensen DG. Mañebog
Continue reading: The Importance of the Jose Rizal Subject
SA MGA MAG-AARAL: Maaaring ilagay ang inyong assignment/comment dito sa comment section ng Republic Act 1425 Rizal Law (Its History and Important Provisions)
*If you want to know about other topics in Rizal subjest (e.g. Rizal’s girlfriends, etc.), search here:
Copyright © by Jensen DG. Mañebog/ MyInfoBasket.com
Check Out: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal by Jensen DG. Mañebog