Rizal's own story of his life
by José Rizal (1861–1896)
- Free to read
- 50 min read
- 6 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"Rizal's Own Story of His Life" by José Rizal is a biography written in the early 20th century, specifically in the years right after 1918. The book presents the life and experiences of José Rizal, a prominent Filipino nationalist and revolutionary whose writings and ideas played a pivotal role in the fight for Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule. Through his own narration, Rizal delves into his childhood, education, and the societal issues of his time, showcasing his intellectual growth and aspirations. The narrative unfolds with a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, as Rizal recounts his birth in Kalamba, his early schooling experiences, family dynamics, and formative moments that shaped his character. He reflects on the injustices faced by his family, notably the wrongful imprisonment of his mother and the oppressive environment under Spanish rule. Highlighting his literary pursuits and educational journey, the book also reveals Rizal's deep patriotism and his vision for the Philippines. His captured thoughts on labor, ethics, and national identity resonate throughout, making this work not only a chronicle of his life but also a profound commentary on the Filipino experience during a critical juncture in history.
- Rizal, José, 1861-1896
- Philippines · Biography
Read the opening
Chapter I
My Birth and Earliest Years in Kalamba
I was born on Wednesday, the nineteenth of June, 1861. It was a few days before the full of the moon. I found myself in a village. I had some slight notions of the morning sun and of my parents. That is as much as I can recall of my baby days.
The training which I received from my earliest infancy is perhaps what formed my habits. I can recall clearly my first gloomy nights, passed on the azotea of our house. They seem as yesterday! They were nights filled with the poetry of sadness and seem near now because at present my days are so sad. On moonlight nights, I took my supper on the azotea. My nurse, who was very fond of me, used to threaten to leave me to a terrible but imaginary being like the bogey of the Europeans if I did not eat.
I had nine sisters and a brother. Our father was a model parent. He gave us the education which was suitable in a family neither rich nor poor. He was thrifty. By careful saving, he was able to build a stone house. He also bought another house; and he put up a nipa cottage on our plot of irrigated ground. The cottage was shaded by bananas and trees.
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About this edition
This free edition of Rizal's own story of his life by José Rizal comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #48438, released 2015-03-08. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, History - Other.
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