Other Significant Works of Rizal

• The Philippines a Century Hence ("Filipinas Dentro De Cien Años") - Published serially in the Filipino fortnightly review "La Solidaridad" in Madrid from September 30, 1889, to February 15, 1890, this essay supplements Rizal’s novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• It forecasts the future of the Philippines over the next century. Rizal warns Spain that the conditions leading to the French Revolution could affect its rule in the Philippines. He recounts the country's glorious past, the deterioration of the economy, and the native sufferings under Spanish rule. He cautions Spain about the inevitable downfall of its domination and the rise of Filipino nationalism and desire for justice and equality.
• Spain’s Military Policies: Led to population decline, rampant poverty, neglected farmlands, and overall societal retardation.
• Loss of Indigenous Culture: The Spanish conquest gradually destroyed native culture, eroding Filipino confidence in their heritage and future.
• Passivity and Submissiveness: Spanish friars imposed a culture of silence, forcing Filipinos into submission.
• The Inevitable

  Rizal argues that despite Spain’s corruption and detrimental impact, the progress of the Philippines is inevitable. Key points include:
• 1.Failed Ignorance: Efforts to keep Filipinos uneducated and ignorant failed, with national consciousness still awakening.

  2. Poverty-Induced Change: Living in perpetual destitution spurred Filipinos to seek progress and change.

  3. Survival of the Race: Despite wars and famines, the Filipino race survived and thrived, making complete extermination unfeasible for Spain.
• The Indolence of the Filipinos

  Published in five consecutive issues of "La Solidaridad" in 1890, this essay counters Spanish accusations of Filipino laziness. Rizal argues that pre-Spanish Filipinos were industrious, and Spanish colonial policies caused the decline in productive activities.
• 1.Galleon Trade: Disrupted local businesses and handicraft industries.

  2. Forced Labor: Compelled Filipinos to abandon agriculture and industries for public works.

  3. Landlessness and Wandering: Spain failed to protect Filipinos from pirates and invaders.

  4. Impractical Education: Focused on repetitive prayers, neglecting agricultural and industrial education.
• 5. Spanish Example: Negligent officials and dependent Spanish women set poor examples.

  6. Promoted Gambling: Spanish officials and friars encouraged gambling.

  7. Crooked Religion: Discouraged hard work, teaching that poverty was a virtue.

  8. High Taxes: Discouraged productivity as earnings went to officials and friars.
• Letter to the Young Women of Malolos Written in Tagalog, this letter responds to Marcelo H. Del Pilar's request and praises the bravery of 20 young women from Malolos who sought to establish a Spanish language school despite opposition. Rizal advocates for women's right to education and expresses hopes for their roles in society.
• 1.True Christianity: Criticizes the priests for not embodying true Christian values.

  2. Private Judgment: Encourages critical thinking.

  3. Role of Mothers: Stresses that mothers should teach children to love God, country, and fellowmen, and rear them in service of the state.

  4. Noble Women: Advocates for Filipino women to be noble, decent, dignified, and loving towards their husbands.

  5. Balanced Lives: Emphasizes the importance of balance in life and the role of women in maintaining family values.