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The Filipino loves his country no less than the Spaniard does his, and although he is quieter, more peaceful and with more difficulty stirred up, once aroused he does not hesitate and for him the struggle means death to the finish. He has both the meekness and ferocity of the carabao. Climate affects bipeds in the same way it does quadrupeds.

Jose Rizal#32

StruggleCharacterNationalismNational characterPatriotism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The Filipino possesses deep patriotism that lies dormant until roused, then fights with fierce determination.
In plain terms
Filipinos love their country quietly until they fight fiercely.
What can you take from it?
Patriotism can lie dormant before erupting into action.

Where it applies

  • national defense
  • cultural studies
  • political discourse

Putting it to work

  • cultural education
  • national unity campaigns
  • historical research

Questions to consider

  • How does nationality affect behavior?
  • Is quietness a form of strength?

Another view

Generalizing national character risks oversimplifying diverse individual behaviors.

More from Jose Rizal

  1. Law has no skin, reason has no nostrils.

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. It breaks immortality's neck Contemplates crime and therefore halts it; It humbles barbarous nations And makes of savages, champions.

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. Necessity is the most powerful divinity the world knows--it is the result of physical forces set in operation by ethical forces.

    Permalink to quote #30

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