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04.2 - Rizal's Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad (Part 2) | Life and Works of Rizal

Over the Academic Wall・2 minutes read

Rizal left the Philippines secretly in 1882 to study in Europe, facing financial struggles but relying on family and friends for support, continuing his mission to bring reforms to the Philippines through education and cultural studies. Despite facing controversy, criticism, and safety concerns upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal remained dedicated to advocating for agrarian issues, addressing injustices, and proposing solutions for his country.

Insights

  • Rizal's departure from the Philippines in 1882 was a carefully orchestrated plan involving secrecy, the assistance of his brother Paciano, and a deep concern for his mother's failing eyesight, highlighting his dedication to furthering his education in Europe despite obstacles and familial worries.
  • Rizal's journey through various countries, his academic pursuits in Madrid and Leipzig, financial struggles, literary accomplishments, and advocacy for Philippine reforms underscore his multifaceted efforts to empower his country through education, cultural enrichment, and political engagement, showcasing his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to his homeland's betterment.

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Recent questions

  • Why did Rizal leave the Philippines?

    To continue studies in Europe due to family reasons.

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Summary

00:00

Rizal's Secret Departure and European Studies

  • On May 3, 1882, Rizal left the Philippines secretly on the S.S. Salvador, with only a few close family members and friends aware of his departure.
  • Rizal's departure was unknown to his parents, as he believed they would not approve of his actions due to safety concerns.
  • Rizal's brother Paciano played a significant role in facilitating his departure to Europe, ensuring it went unnoticed by Spanish authorities.
  • Rizal's main reason for leaving was to continue his studies in Europe, particularly to finish his education while his mother was losing her eyesight.
  • Rizal arrived in Barcelona on June 16, 1882, after traveling through various countries due to the absence of direct commercial flights to Europe.
  • In Barcelona, Rizal met with acquaintances from Ateneo before proceeding to Madrid, where he began writing for Diariong Tagalog under the pseudonym Laong Laan.
  • Rizal's essay "El Amor Patrio" was published on August 20, 1882, leading him to cease writing about the Philippines due to his mother's opposition and concerns about Spanish officials.
  • Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid to study medicine, philosophy, and letters, while also learning painting, sculpture, and languages.
  • Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino in Madrid to discuss political issues concerning the abusive Spanish government, but the organization disbanded due to financial constraints and conflicting viewpoints.
  • Despite financial struggles in Madrid, Rizal relied on his brother Paciano's support for his studies, often attending classes without food and refraining from bathing due to fees, while focusing on his mission to bring reforms to the Philippines through education and cultural studies.

23:05

Rizal's Journey: From Leipzig to Berlin

  • Rizal arrived in Leipzig on August 14, 1886, attending lectures by a German historian and anthropologist.
  • He mastered the difficult German language and translated works like "William Tell" and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales into Tagalog.
  • Rizal ensured Filipino expressions conveyed abstract concepts, like animal noises, for children to understand.
  • Rizal moved to Berlin in November 1886, working as a clinic assistant in the mornings and attending University classes at night.
  • Facing financial struggles, Rizal pawned his ring and sold books to afford food, leading to poor nutrition and tuberculosis.
  • Friend Maximo Viola lent Rizal money to publish "Noli Me Tangere," distributing 2,000 copies in Europe and sending some to friends in Barcelona and Madrid.
  • Rizal returned to the Philippines in August 1887, met with controversy, and faced criticism from Jesuit teachers and friars.
  • Rizal's parents feared for his safety, believing he might be poisoned, leading to precautions like using silver utensils.
  • Rizal operated on his mother's cataract in Hong Kong, successfully removing it from her left eye but causing infection in the right eye due to improper care.
  • Various conspiracy theories link Rizal to historical figures like Hitler, debunked by historians and based on false timelines and geographical distances.

39:13

Rizal's Journey: From Manila to Borneo

  • Rizal left Calamba for Manila to discuss his novel with Governor-General Emilio Terrero, who found no issue with it, but Archbishop Bernardo Nozaleda opposed it.
  • Due to safety concerns, Lieutenant Jose Taviel de Andrade was assigned to protect Rizal, who was advised to leave the country but refused.
  • Rizal returned to Calamba, where he worked on agrarian issues, leading to an investigation by the Governor-General into tensions between tenants and friars.
  • The friars demanded Rizal's deportation, but the Governor-General refused, suggesting Rizal leave voluntarily for safety reasons.
  • Rizal then went to Hong Kong, where he met Filipino exiles, studied Chinese culture, and fell in love with a Japanese woman named O-Sei-San.
  • After a brief stay in Japan, Rizal traveled to the United States, where he admired the country's progress but noted racial discrimination.
  • Rizal later moved to London to continue his writing and research on Philippine history, meeting Dr. Reinhold Rost and receiving mixed news from the Philippines.
  • In Brussels, Rizal completed the manuscript for "El Filibusterismo" and faced personal conflicts with Antonio Luna and Retana, leading to duels that were resolved amicably.
  • Rizal then went back to Hong Kong, where he practiced medicine and reunited with his family, expressing happiness despite ongoing concerns for his country.
  • While in Hong Kong, Rizal wrote articles addressing the injustices faced by Calamba tenants and proposed the establishment of a Filipino colony in North Borneo for evicted tenants.

57:58

Rizal's Return Request Raises Suspicions

  • Calamba tenants in the Philippines need permission from Spanish Governor-General Eulogio Despujol to leave, as requested by Rizal to change nationality, sell properties, and assist those facing criticism; Despujol, suspecting Rizal's intentions, instructed the Spanish Consul in Hongkong to invite Rizal back to Manila for a discussion, leading to Rizal's decision to return on June 20, 1892.
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