Quotes from Jose Rizal

My mother is not a woman of ordinary culture. She knows literature and speaks Spanish better than I do. She even corrected my poems and gave me advice when I was studying rhetoric.

The divine flame of thought is inextinguishable in the Filipino people, and somehow or other it will shine forth and compel recognition. It is impossible to brutalize the inhabitants of the Philippines!

The Filipino embraces civilization and lives and thrives in every clime, in contact with every people.

Wealth brings with it refinement, the spirit of conservation, while poverty inspires adventurous ideas, the desire to change things, and has little care for life.

As God has not made anything useless in this world, as all beings fulfill obligations or a role in the sublime drama of Creation, I cannot exempt from this duty, and small though it be, I too have a mission to fill, as for example: alleviating the sufferings of my fellowmen.

He who would love much has also much to suffer.

Who does not love his own tongue is far worse than a brute or stinking fish.

He who does not love his own language is worse than an animal and smelly fish.

I have to believe much in God because I have lost my faith in man.

I don't see why I should bow my head when I could hold it high, or place it in the hands of my enemies when I can defeat them.

How long have you been away from the country?" Laruja asked Ibarra. "Almost seven years." "Then you have probably forgotten all about it." "Quite the contrary. Even if my country does seem to have forgotten me, I have always thought about it.

Walang mang-aalipin kung walang paaalipin.

To be happy does not mean to indulge in foolishness!

The people do not complain because they have no voice; do not move because they are lethargic, and you say that they do not suffer because you have not seen their hearts bleed.

I die without seeing dawn's light shining on my country... You, who will see it, welcome it for me...don't forget those who fell during the nighttime.

I have observed that the prosperity or misery of each people is in direct proportion to its liberties or its prejudices and, accordingly, to the sacrifices or the selfishness of its forefathers. -Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

It is not the criminals who arouse the hatred of others, but the men who are honest.

I can concede that the government has no knowledge of the people, but I believe the people know less of the government. There are useless officials, evil, if you like, but there are also good ones, and these are not able to accomplish anything because they encounter an inert mass, the population that takes little part in matters that concern them.

Walang maitutugon ang wika sa tanong ng pag-ibig buhat sa isang sulyap na kumikislap o palihim. Sa halip, sumasagot ang ngiti, ang halik, o ang bugtonghininga.

The example could encourage others who only fear to start.

Let us not ask for miracles, let us not ask for concern with what is good for the country of him who comes as a stranger to make his fortune and leave afterwards.

Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?

Kapag may mga uban na po akong tulad ng sa inyo at ginugunita ang nakaraan at makita kong gumawa ako alang-alang sa sarili lamang, hindi ginhawa ang magagawa't nararapat gawin ukol sa bayang nagbigay sa akin ng lahat, ukol sa mga mamamayang tumutulong sa aking mabuhay, kapag nagkagayon po, magiging tinik sa akin ang bawat uban, at sa halip na ikaliwalhati ko'y dapat kong ikahiya.

For myself I think that one wrong does not right the other, and forgiveness cannot be won with useless tears or alms to the Church.