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
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?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the value of laws and codes if they can be easily undermined by deceitful actions that harm innocent individuals.
In this quote, Jose Rizal reflects on the futility of legal systems and codes if they can be disregarded through betrayal and anonymous accusations. He emphasizes the importance of justice and the right to a fair trial, arguing that any system that allows for the exile of honest citizens without due process is fundamentally flawed and serves no true purpose.
Themes
JusticeLawBetrayalDue ProcessFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the importance of fair trials in legal systems.
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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