José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
- Born:
- June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
- Died:
- December 30, 1896, Manila, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Filipino
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Poet, Ophthalmologist, Journalist, Propagandist, Advocate, Reformist
Early Life and Education
- José Rizal's childhood life was marked by early intellectual development.
- He began his formal education in Biñan under Justiniano Aquino Cruz.
- He displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age.
- He studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating with honors.
- He then attended the University of Santo Tomas to study medicine.
- He continued his studies in ophthalmology in Europe, notably in Paris and Heidelberg.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent figure in the Propaganda Movement advocating for reforms in the Philippines.
- Founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization aimed at unifying Filipinos.
- Used his writings to expose the social ills and injustices of Spanish colonial rule.
- Practiced ophthalmology to support himself and provide medical assistance to others.
Notable Works
- Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not): A novel that exposes the abuses of the Spanish friars and the corruption of the colonial government.
- El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed): A sequel to Noli Me Tángere that depicts the failure of reform through peaceful means and hints at the need for revolution.
- Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell): A patriotic poem written on the eve of his execution.
Legacy and Impact
José Rizal is considered the national hero of the Philippines. His writings and activism inspired the Philippine Revolution and continue to shape Filipino national identity.