The many-sided personality

Filipinos and foreigners alike have paid tribute to Jose Rizal claiming that his place of honor in history is secure.It was his Austrian bosom friend,Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, rector of the Imperial Atheneum of Leitmeritz, who said Rizal was the greatest product of the Philippines and his coming to the world was like the appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance appears only every other century.
Another German friend, Dr. Adolf B. Meyer, director of the Dresden Museum who admired his all around knowledge and ability, remarked Rizals many-sidedness was stupendous. Our own Dr.Camilo Osias pointed to him as the versatile genius.

 His precocity since early boyhood turned into versatility in later years. Being curious and inquisitive, he developed a rare facility of mastering varied subjects and occupations.

Actor Rizal acted as a character in one of Juan Lunas paintings and acted in school dramas.

Agriculturist Rizal had farms in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte (1892-1896) where he planted lanzones, coconuts and other fruit-bearing trees. Ambassador of Goodwill His friendliness, goodwill and cultural associations with friends entitled him as one.

Animal lover As a small boy, Rizal loved animals including birds, fish, insects and other specimens of animal life. Fowls, rabbits, dogs, horses and cats constituted his favorites. As much as possible, he did not wish fowls to be killed even for food, and showed displeasure in being asked to eat the cooked animal. The family garden in Calamba abounded with insects galore and birds native to the Calamba environs. He write about and sketched animals of the places he had toured.

Anthropologist He made researchers on the physical and social make up of man. Archaeologist Rizal studied monuments and antique currency everywhere he went. He drew most of the monuments he saw. Ascetic Rizal always practiced self-discipline wherever he went. Book Lover He had a big library and brought many books abroad.

Botanist Rizal maintained a garden in Dapitan where he planted and experimented on plants of all kinds Businessman He had a partner in Dapitan in the Abaca business there (1892-1896) Cartographer He drew maps of Dapitan, The Philippines and other places he visited

Chess Player He played chess and bear several Germans and European friends and acquaintances.

Citizen of the World His extensive travels and multitude of friends in Europe, Middle East and Asia made him one. Commentator Rizal always expresses and published his personal opinion. Conchologist. He had a good shell collection in Dapitan. An American conchologist praised him Educator Rizal taught in his special school in Dapitan.

Ethnologist In his travels, Rizal was able to compare difrent races and he noted the differences.

Father of the Community School He proposed college in Hong Kong and his special school in Dapitan made him a father of community schools.

Fencer He fenced with Europeans and Juan Luna and other friends in Europe Freemason abroad He was member of La Solidaridad Lodge in Spain. Horticulturist and Farmer He experimented on and cultivated plants in Dapitan.

Historian His annotation of Antonio de Morgas Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas entitled him as one.

Humorist There are many humorous incidents in the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Ichthyologist He collected 38 new varieties of fish in Dapitan Japanophile His admiration of Japanese traits and his knowledge of her language proved he was one

Journalist He authored and published many articles in Spanish and English in London. Laboratoty Worker He was employed in the clinic of Dr. L. Wecker in Paris.

Linguist He spoke over 20 foreign languages. Lover of Truth He chided Spanish writers for not writing the truth about the Filipinos. He was always truthful since boyhood.

Musician He played the flute and composed pieces of music and cultivated music appreciation.

Mythologist Rizal used Mythology in his Noli and Fili novels.

Nationalist He gave full expression of the native spirit strengthened by world civilization and loved and defended everything Filipino.

Newspaperman He wrote and published articles in many publications and was one of the organizers of the La Solidaridad. Opthalmologist He graduated in an ophthalmologic college in Spain. Philologist Rizal loved of learning and literature is unequalled.

Orientalist Rizal admired the special characteristic and beauties of Oriental countries peoples.

Pharmacologist Rizal treasured and popularized the usefulness and preparation of cures for treatment of his patients.

Philosopher Rizal not only loved wisdom but also regulated his life and enjoyed calmness of the life at all time. Physical Culturist Rizal maintained a good health by exercising all parts of his body and eating proper foods. Physician He treated several patients afflicted not only with eye diseases.

Plant Lover As a child, Rizal spent most of his time in the family garden which was planted with fruit trees. Shrubs and decorative trees. His diaries contained detailed description and sketches of plants, flowers and fruits he was in the places he visited. He wrote poems on flower he liked very much as his poems to the Flowers of Heidelberg.

Poet Rizal wrote over 35 poems including his famous Ultimo Adios.

Politician Although Rizal did not engage in Politics, he exposed the evils of the political activities of the Spaniards in the Philippines through his writing.

Polyglot Rizal spoke and wrote in 20 languages

Proof reader In Germany, He worked as a part-time proofreader of his livelihood.

Propagandist As a reformer, Rizal encourages the recommendation of improving the government entities and discourage abuses publishing articles. Public Relation Man He worked for better cooperation of rulers and subjects in his country.

Reformer He published the modern methods of government administration, so changes could be made.

Researcher Being a wide reader, he compared the old and new practices in life.

Revolutionalist Rizal encouraged reforms, discouraged old, impractical usage, and desired new and useful laws to benefit his countrymen. He desired new and useful laws to benefit his countrymen. He desired changes for the better.

Rhetorician Rizal has always practiced the art of persuasive and impressive speaking and writing. Rural Construction Worker He practiced rural reconstruction work in Dapitan in 1894 and succeeded

Sanitary Engineer His construction of a water system in Dapitan exemplified this practice by Rizal.

Scientist Rizals practice of many Sciences here and abroad made him noted scientist. Sculptor His works of his father and of Father Guerrico, S.J typified his sculptural ability.

Sharp Shooter He could hit a target 20 meters away.

Sinologist Rizals ancestry and his ability to speak Chinese made him one.

Sociologist In Rizals study of Philippine social problems, he always encouraged and introduced solutions.

Sodalist He joined fraternities , associations and brotherhood for selfimprovement.

Sportsman He engaged from surveying class at the Ateneo after passing his A.B there

Tourist He was considered the foremost tourist due to his extensive travels

Traveler Traveled around the world three times.

Tuberculosis expert Having cured himself of this disease, he became and was recognized as an expert.

Youth Leader He considered the youth as the hope of his Fatherland Zoologist He was fond of pets. He researched later on their physiology, classification and habits.