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 glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One cannot claim honor for protecting a country if they were part of its destruction.
This quote by Jose Rizal reflects the idea that true valor does not stem from salvaging what one has harmed. It suggests that a person who contributes to a nation's downfall cannot heroically assume the role of its savior, emphasizing the moral responsibility individuals hold in their actions toward society and governance.
Themes
GlorySavingCountryRuinResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about civic responsibility and integrity in leadership.
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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