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MODULE 2
The Life of Rizal
LESSON 4
Rizal the Polymath
Expected outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
1. Identify the different disciplines and interest of Jose Rizal that have
identified him as a genius and a model persona for Filipino students
2. Determine possibilities for other skills formation and development;
3. Assess how continuous skills development can be used to support
nation-building
Introduction:
Rizal in all aspects was a true scholar who enjoyed learning by way of
various fields of interest in the arts and sciences. His life was a clear picture
of an untiring quest for knowledge and insatiable drive to transcend the
ordinary as well as mediocrity, a true model indeed specially for young
Filipino students. In all angles of his biography, Rizal never limited himself
from learning despite various impediments and disturbing situations while
clearly exhibiting an avid determination to achieve many things that were
largely with reference to his country and people around him. This lesson aims
to highlight and explore Rizal’s life as a scholar, a diligent student of
numerous fields of knowledge.
Rizal’s Interests, skills, and Talents
Many scholars refer to Rizal as a genius as accounted by his versatility in
almost everything he ventured in. Being a genius however is debatable as
there are at least three bases for being one. First is by quantifying one’s
Intelligence Quotient (IQ), while others base it on one’s Emotional Quotient
(EQ), and thirdly, through one’s contributions to society. Without a doubt,
Rizal’s remarkable credentials ably install him as an outstanding individual
worthy of being called a genius.(see Rizal’s Multi
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Intelligence[Link]
Rizals-Multiple-Intelligences)
Rizal studied as a doctor specializing in ophthalmology. Such profession
however did not limit him from many other worthwhile and remarkable
undertakings as he was also a prolific writer, an artist, an ethnologist, a
farmer, and a teacher. His talents and vast knowledge can be surmised when
one sees the depth of his two novels- Noli Me Tangere and El Flibusterismo.
He graduated with honors when he was studying in Ateneo Municipal and
likewise managed to accumulate an almost excellent rating in UST despite
the disturbing atmosphere brought about by the incessant discrimination
against Filipino students like him. He was a dedicated
and inquisitive student who used his spare time to study
other languages and subjects relatively aligned to his
interest in the arts and sciences. He dabbled into
sketching, sculpture, poetry, painting, martial arts, and
fencing. It was said that among the Ilustrados in Europe
during his time, Rizal was one of the best practitioners
of fencing. However, some records
reveal Rizal’s admission of limitation
Mother’s Revenge
Triumph of Death Over Life Triumph of Science over Death
in the aspect of music.
Similarly, as Rizal is honored and admired of being a doctor, most of his
scientific works were done during his exile in Dapitan from 1892-1896, when
he conducted numerous scientific works that involved collecting different
animal specimen and sending them to Blumentritt in Europe in exchange for
books, laboratory equipment, and other learning materials for his school for
young boys. It was in this school where he taught arithmetic, writing,
geography, and history to these young boys. He also conducted business
ventures and improved the water system in Dapitan using his background in
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land surveying. In his spare time, he created various art works, and
conducted several ethnographic, linguistic, and geographical studies in
Mindanao. When he won in a lottery in 1892, he bought a 16-hectare land
in Talisay, Dapitan where he also practiced his farming skills consequently
providing decent job opportunity to men in Dapitan.
Rizal managed to contribute immensely in the improvement of Dapitan from
1892-1896. Considered as one of the most devoted and religious community
in the Philippines, Dapitan eventually improved its economy and way of life
through Rizal’s engagement in various community projects. Rizal did not only
educate young boys in the community but also taught elders on several
livelihood initiatives that practically transformed their lives.
Generalization:
Whether or not Rizal is a genius by today’s standards, it cannot be denied
that he possessed the true scholarly disposition and capacity, a genuinely
attractive personality, and had undoubtedly contributed to the betterment of
his community and the larger Filipino society. Rizal was a model of
consistency in doing what he did best specifically in the aspect of writing and
on his ideals to educate the Filipinos. Similarly, he was consistent and
resolute with his aim to serve the Philippines when in 1892, prior to his
encarceration in Dapitan, he came home from Europe despite the dangers
known to him.
The following summarize the distinctive skills and talents of Jose Rizal.
OPTHALMOLOGIST- He practiced the professional back in his
hometown in Calamba Laguna , while he was in Hong Kong and while in
exile at Dapitan, treating in particular his very own mother and the stepfather
of Josephine Bracken.
PHYSICIAN- He treated several patients afflicted not only with eye diseases.
TUBERCULOSIS EXPERT- For having cured himself of this disease, he
became and was recognized as an expert.
SCIENTIST- Rizal’s practice of many sciences here and abroad made him
reputed scientist. Rizal loved science and discovery. He was able to
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explore the rich virgin field of Mindanao and was able to collect great
specimens of lizards, insects, bats, snakes etc. which he was able to send
in a museum in Europe.
ETHNOLOGIST- Rizal through his acquaintance with Ferdinand Blumentritt
was able to meet a number of German scholars who provided him materials
to augment his writings regarding the Filipino culture particularly on
language. He was welcomed as a member of the German Sociologists and
Anthropologists society.
ZOOLOGIST- He was fond of pets. He researched later on their physiology,
classification and habits. A regular contributor of specimens of reptiles,
mammals, birds, fish, insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates
to the Dresden museum. When he was an exile in Dapitan, he
collected different kinds of species of animals. Among them were the Draco
Rizali (Wandolleck), a specie of flying dragon; Rachophorous Rizali
(Boetger), a hithertho unknown specie of toad; and Apogonia Rizali(Heller),
a small beetle, which was later named after him.
PHILOSOPHER-Rizal not only loved wisdom but also regulated his life and
enjoyed calmness of the life at all time. Though Philosophy and Letters
was a usual course of study during his time, Rizal manifested high inclination
to inferential and logical thinking that are clearly articulated in his writings.
His profound ideas on humanism, liberalism, and nationalism have
comprised a substantive social and political philosophical framework that has
been adopted by many researches and studies.
POLYGLOT - Rizal was fluent in twenty-two languages (Hebrew, Filipino,
Ilokano, Bisayan, Subanon, Chinese, Latin, Spanish, Greek, English,
French, German, Arabic, Malay, Sanskrit, Dutch, Japanese, Catalan, Italian,
Portuguese, Swedish and Russian) and had a knack for switching from one
language to another when he was writing. His linguistic skills comprised a
major part of his ability not just as a scholar but as a well-rounded person
who was able to relate and influence people from all walks of life
RHETORICIAN- Rizal has always practiced the art of persuasive and
impressive speaking and writing. His knowledge of various languages and
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philosophical disposition enabled him to communicate outstandingly and
convey his profound ideas to a variety of audience.
POET-Rizal wrote over 35 poems including his famous Mi Ultimo Adios, To
The Philippines, Our Mother Tongue, Memories of My town, Hymn to
Labor, Kundiman, A Poem That Has No Title, Song of Maria Clara, To
the Philippines Youth, To Josephine, Education Gives Luster to the
Motherland, To the Virgin Mary, Sa Aking mga Kabata and others.
TRANSLATOR- His knowledge of various languages enabled him to
translate the Christmas message (Hebrew to Spanish), William Tell and
Andersen Fairy Tales (German to Tagalog), The Rights of Man (French
to Tagalog), and Zend-Avesta (Arabic to Spanish).
PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR- One of Rizal’s extant master pieces entitled
“Saturnina Rizal” in oil pastel is displayed in the National Museum. Other
works include Rizal’s sketch of his Last view of Manila and his own sketch
oh himself in the training class.
SCULPTOR-His works of his father and of Father Guerrico, S. J. typified his
sculptural ability. Some of his notable sculptures are The Mother’s Revenge,
Triumph of Death over Life, and Triumph of Science over Death most of
which are in the possession of the Jesuits.
POLITICIAN- Although Rizal did not engage in politics, he exposed
the evils of the political activities of the Spaniards in the Philippines
through his writing. His establishment of the La Liga Filipina showed his
capacity to organize a structured movement that has a clear objective and
strategy. It is no wonder why the Spanish officials quickly abolished this
organization as it posed a clear political threat to the colonial rule.
REVOLUTIONIST- Rizal encouraged reforms; discouraged old, impractical
usage, and desired new and useful laws to benefit his countrymen.
He desired changes for the better.
UNIVERSALIST- Rizal was the product of the very first synthesis between
the civilizations of the East and the West. In his person embodied the ideals
of the both.
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TRAVELER- He traveled around the world three times. Such must not be
interpreted as a mere pleasure and recreational sojourn as he was keen in
discovering the world to understand where and how his own country stands
amidst all the progress and advancements.
Additional readings:
1. The Hero as teacher by Ambeth Ocampo-
[Link]
2. Rizal: Father of Filipino Komiks-
[Link]
3. Rizal’s self portraits late 19th century selfies-
[Link]
centurys-selfies
4. Rizal’s multiple intelligence- [Link]
post/2017/09/03/Dr-Jose-Rizals-Multiple-Intelligences
Exercise:
[Link]: Based on the detailed skills, talents and inclinations of Rizal,
what made Rizal a genius? Was it his IQ, EQ, or social contribution? Find
support by browsing on other sources on Rizal.
[Link]: Define a genius in your own terms and measurement. How
can such a genius contribute in the betterment of Philippine society amidst
all its problems in the environment, health security, political instability, and
cultural deficiency? Must we be governed by a genius like Rizal?
References:
Corpuz, OD (1989) The Roots of the Filipino Nation AKLAHI Foundation
Craig, A. (1913) Lineage, Life, and Labors of Jose Rizal, Philippine Patriot. A study of the
growth of ideas in the Trans-pacific American territory. Manila Philippines
Crudo E et al (2020)The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal, Rex Publishing
Guererro,LM(1963) The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal. Manila
Habana,L.(2016),On Rizal’s 155th Birthday, Lecture series, Ateneo de Manila University,
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Department of History.
Ocampo, A. (2018). Rizal Without the Overcoat. Quezon City: Anvil Publishing Inc.
Purino A.(2008) Rizal the greatest Filipino Hero. Quezon City Rex Publishing.
Prepared by:
Rodolfo V Bagay, Jr.
Instructor
Reviewed by: Approved by:
LEAH C. NAVARRO, EdD MAT M NUESTRO
TED Chairperson Director, Curriculum and Instruction
