We are ruled by Rizal’s ‘tyrants of tomorrow’

IN the “Conclusion” chapter of El Filibusterismo (or The Reign of Greed, the second novel of Jose Rizal, whom we honor today), we read these words. In spirit and reality, the words Padre Florentino, the personification of Christian wisdom, moral outlook and authentic faith, addresses to the dying Simoun, the failed patriotic instigator of a revolution, directly apply to us all, Filipinos of today:

“Our ills we owe to ourselves alone, so let us blame no one. If Spain should see that we were less complaisant with tyranny and more disposed to struggle and suffer for our rights, Spain would be the first to grant us liberty, because when the fruit of the womb reaches maturity woe unto the mother who would stifle it! So, while the Filipino people has not sufficient energy to proclaim, with head erect and bosom bared, its rights to social life, and to guarantee it with its sacrifices, with its own blood; while we see our countrymen in private life ashamed within themselves, hear the voice of conscience roar in rebellion and protest, yet in public life keep silence or even echo the words of him who abuses them in order to mock the abused; while we see them wrap themselves up in their egotism and with a forced smile praise the most iniquitous actions, begging with their eyes a portion of the booty—why grant them liberty? With Spain or without Spain they would always be the same, and perhaps worse! Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow? And that they will be such is not to be doubted, for he who submits to tyranny loves it.”