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
If the Philippines secure their independence after heroic and stubborn conflicts, they can rest assured that neither England, nor Germany, nor France, and still less Holland, will dare to take up what Spain has been unable to hold.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of perseverance in the struggle for independence, suggesting that achieving freedom will deter other nations from reclaiming control.
In this quote, Jose Rizal expresses his belief that if the Philippines fights valiantly for their independence and succeeds, it will send a strong message to western powers that attempted colonization in the past. By overcoming challenges, the nation would assert its sovereignty and discourage former colonial powers from trying to impose their will again, suggesting that true independence comes from the courage to fight and succeed.
Themes
IndependencePerseveranceSovereigntyColonizationCourage
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about national determination and perseverance.
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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Go, stranger, and tell the Lacedaemonians that here we lie, obedient to their commands.
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