Summary Of Rizal's The Indolence Of The Filipinos

Rizal’s The Indolence of the Filipinos is another masterpiece that encourages the natives to contemplate upon their unfortunate sufferings in the present conditions, the causes of such and the extent of their own actions and shortcomings that contributed such status in life. At the same time, Rizal urges the Spanish rule to remedy the flaws in the system adopted by the government to effect significant changes which will prove to be more beneficial to the mother country than the Philippines. This essay primarily focuses on Rizal’s response and examination on the accusation that the Filipinos are innately indolent.

Before reaching the conclusion of Rizal’s rejection of such accusation, Rizal carefully examined the facts leading to the false

Rizal refused to believe that the Filipinos have always been regarded as indolent. He depicted the Philippine prior the arrival of the Spaniards in which active trade with neighboring countries and from distant lands, commerce, and agriculture were prominent in the country. Of special mention were the native who learned spoke Spanish even before the arrival of Magellan in the country which further confirms the relationship of the natives with other countries. Having proved that Filipinos are not innately born to be indolent, Rizal presented several reasons for indolence of the Filipinos in the present state. Wars, pirate invasions, chaos have ruined the inhabitants, thus explains the decrease of population during the Spanish rule. Rizal also emphasized the role of the Spanish rule in the intensification of the indolence of the Filipinos. The Spaniards used the natives to fight the wars for them, construct large vessels that forced the natives to work and go on an expedition. Since the Filipinos no longer work for themselves and no return and rewards are even assured for their hard work, it is rational to comprehend of the Filipino’s lack of devotion and energy towards

As there were several flaws in the colonial system of the Spaniards, it is safe to blame that such shortcomings of the Spanish government can be considered as the derivation of the Philippines’ fate. There was no encouragement in for labor and trade because of great deal of suspicion and mistrust. Several restrictions were imposed in trade which can stifle active trade in the country. In addition, the government monopolizes business in its greed to earn the profit fully to him. Furthermore, false teachings are impressed upon the minds of the Filipinos which greatly affected their perspective in life. Filipinos now longed to be poor to assure themselves of a place in heaven. Filipinos are taught to rely a great deal to win sums of money through chances. It is for this reason that Rizal considered the significance of education of a native. Had the Filipinos exercised reason and logic in their decisions and refused to be controlled by whatever Spanish rulers and friars demand from them, the Filipinos would have been living in a rational society. Rizal also believed that every Filipino should have a sense of nationalism in his heart. In a society where everyone is concerned with the welfare of each one, it would have been difficult for the Spanish rulers to abuse the