If the Philippines must remain under the control of Spain, they will necessarily have to be transformed in a political sense, for the course of their history and the needs of their inhabitants so require.
Jose RizalRead
The government that governs from afar absolutely requires that the truth and the facts reach its knowledge by every possible channel, so that it may weigh and estimate them better, and this need increases when a country like the Philippines is concerned, where the inhabitants speak and complain in a language unknown to the authorities.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A government must stay informed about its citizens' needs and concerns, especially when communication barriers exist.
In this quote, Jose Rizal emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication between a government and its people. He highlights that for a governance system, especially in distant contexts like the Philippines, to function effectively, it must actively seek out the truth and concerns of its citizens, particularly those expressed in languages that might not be understood by the authorities. This becomes even more critical as it helps the government make informed decisions that reflect the population's needs and feelings.
Themes
GovernmentCommunicationTruthPhilippinesAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion about the importance of language access in government services.
More from Jose Rizal
All quotes →I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: 'Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our grandparents.'
Jose RizalRead
It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.
Jose RizalRead
Necessity is the most powerful divinity the world knows – it is the result of physical forces set in operation by ethical forces.
Jose RizalRead
I may be what my enemies desire me to be, yet never an accusation are they able to hurl against me which makes me blush or lower my forehead; and I hope that God will be merciful enough with me, to prevent me from committing one of those faults which would involve my family.
Jose RizalRead
To the questioning glance of love, as it flashes out and then conceals itself, speech has no reply; the smile, the kiss, the sigh answer.
Jose RizalRead
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