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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the necessity of political transformation for the Philippines under Spanish rule, highlighting historical context and the needs of its people.
Jose Rizal suggests that if the Philippines is to remain under Spanish dominion, it cannot simply continue as it has; rather, it must undergo significant political changes to align with its historical trajectory and the pressing needs of its inhabitants. This reflects Rizal's broader views on self-determination and the importance of governance that serves the people.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about national identity and self-determination.
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.'
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.
Necessity is the most powerful divinity the world knows – it is the result of physical forces set in operation by ethical forces.
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.
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.
Of what use are all the codes in the world, if by means of confidential reports, if for trifling reasons, if through anonymous traitors any honest citizen may be exiled or banished without a hearing, without a trial?
Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.
Man is a degeneration of what he was.
You cannot make a cheap palace.
Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever?
Real hunger is when one man regards another man as something to eat.
Asked whether or not he believed in an afterlife, Thoreau quipped, "One world at a time."
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