During the short life of our hero Dr.

Jose Rizal, he was able to travel to many countries particularly in many parts of
Europe. He had a mission and that is to observe intensely about the way of life of people living in European countries
with respect to their culture, customs, language, its law and government. But before that, Rizal’s initial purpose was
to get a proper education because he had an eye for it. He was not satisfied of the educational system in the
Philippines while he was studying medicine at the University of Santo Tomas. He decided to leave and went to
Madrid, Spain for further studies in Ophthalmology. This way, he could perform surgery on his mother’s eyes. Access
to ideas and cultures outside the Philippines were limited in Rizal’s time because the schools were run by Catholic
priests who were cautious of what materials the students might read. His trip to Spain had another purpose. That was
to observe the way of life of people there. In Barcelona, Spain, he admired the air of liberalism which prevailed in that
city, very much different to that of the Philippines where there was tyranny at the hands of the Spanish colonizers.
Rizal also could not understand why the Spaniards introduced Christianity to the Philippines with the beautiful idea of
love and brotherhood among people when Filipinos at that time were considered an inferior race just because of the
color of their skin. In fact, Filipinos were called Indios or uncivilized.
After Rizal’s stay in Spain, he proceeded to Germany where he worked at a university eye clinic and furthered his
studies by attending forums conducted by experts in the field. While his medical profession was important as can be
seen through his seeking of additional education, Rizal had a secret mission in Germany. He considered Germany as
a “Scientific Mother Country”. He moved from one city to another while admiring the beauty of the cities and
immersed himself in the intellectual pursuits in that country. He also went there to observe Germany. He stayed at
the house of The Ullmer family where he was treated with no reservations and appreciated him though he is not a
German. In the Philippines, he experienced racism under the hands of the Spaniards and so he was amazed at how
he was treated well in Germany. He soon learned how to speak the German language. Because of this, Rizal easily
got connected with German scientists and scholars which will help him gain knowledge.
Another country which Rizal visited was France. Rizal was there during the inauguration of the Eiffel Tower in 1882.
What stunned Rizal was the French ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity which was not found in the Philippines.
This inspired Rizal to put theses ideals into writings through his literary works. The ideology of the French Revolution
has awakened Filipinos to fight colonialism through uprising. There was no liberty in the country because according
to Spain, they rightfully own the Philippines and that they have the right to colonize it.
At present, the country has become known for its people who are not only nationalistic but also competitive in
different fields of arts and sciences. Thanks tour beloved hero Dr. Jose Rizal who opened the minds and hearts of
our past and present heroes for the love of one’s own country. Unlike in Rizal’s time when education was limited and
sometimes prohibited, now, with the advanced technology, and equal opportunities, Filipinos now learn new
knowledge by just searching on the web. Unlike in the past when Rizal had to travel several miles away just to
observe and learn from other countries.