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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mortality confronts the illusion of eternal power and challenges barbarism by transforming savages into champions through reflection.
In plain terms
Thinking about crime stops it and turns rough people into winners.
What can you take from it?
Reflecting on wrongdoing can prevent it and build character.

Where it applies

  • political reform
  • personal growth
  • national identity

Putting it to work

  • ethical education
  • crime prevention
  • leadership training

Questions to consider

  • What stops a person from committing a crime?
  • Can suffering truly make someone a champion?

Another view

The claim that contemplation halts crime may overlook systemic drivers of violence.

More from Jose Rizal

  1. 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 …

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  2. Oh how beautiful to fall to give you flight, To die to give you life, to rest under your sky; And in your enchanted land forever sleep.

    Permalink to quote #34
  3. Law has no skin, reason has no nostrils.

    Permalink to quote #31

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