In the history of great men, you will be amazed and amazed at what makes them great and well known on the pages of history. As a young and young historian, the following questions sometimes come to mind: What is the secret of these great characters, why did they become so famous in the history of mankind? And what are the other reasons that motivated you to become great men of excellence and courage?

In this article, I would like to share with you, dear readers, the secret of what makes Dr. José Rizal famous and known in the pages of human history.

On the night that Dr. José Rizal was born, others were born in his hometown of Calamba, Laguna and hundreds of other children were born throughout the Philippines as well. But why of all these children, only one child, José Rizal, achieved fame and greatness?

In the life of all men there are influences that make some great and others not. Dr. Gregorio and Dra. Sonia Zaide, explained in their book entitled “José Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of the Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero” about what makes Dr. Rizal famous and great about other Filipinos. Dr. Gregorio and Dr. Sonia exclaimed that, “In Rizal’s case, he had all the favorable influences, few other children at the time enjoyed him.” They went on and proved their claims by giving the following reasons as to what influences make him become a great man of excellence and courage.

1. Hereditary influences. According to biological science, there are inherent qualities that a person inherits from his ancestors and parents. Dr. Rizal, through his Chinese ancestors, derived his serious character, frugality, patience, and love for children. From his Spanish ancestors he obtained his elegance in bearing, sensitivity to insult and gallantry with the ladies. From his father he inherited a deep sense of self-respect, a love of work, and a habit of independent thought. And from his mother he inherited the religious character, the spirit of self-sacrifice and the passion for the arts and letters.

2. Environmental influence. According to psychologists, the environment, as well as heredity, affects the nature of a person. Environmental influence includes places, associates, and events. The scenic beauties of Calamba and the beautiful garden of the Rizal family stimulated José Rizal’s innate artistic and literary talents. The religious atmosphere in his house strengthened his religious nature. His brother, Paciano, instilled in his mind a love for freedom and justice. From his sisters he learned to be courteous and kind to women. His three uncles, brothers of his mother, exerted a good influence on him. Tio (Uncle) José Alberto, who had studied for eleven years at the British school in Calcutta, India, and had traveled throughout Europe, inspired him to develop his artistic ability. Tío Manuel, a stocky and athletic man, encouraged him to develop his frail body through physical exercises, such as horseback riding, walking, and wrestling. And Uncle Gregorio, a book lover, intensified his voracious reading of good books.

Father Leoncio López, the elderly and learned parish priest of Calamba, fostered Rizal’s love of scholarship and intellectual honesty.

3. Help of Divine Providence. Greater than heredity and environment in the destiny of a man is the help of Divine Providence. A person can have everything in life: brains, wealth and power, but without the help of Divine Providence, he cannot achieve greatness in the annals of the nation. Rizal was providentially destined to be the pride and glory of his nation. God had endowed him with the versatile gifts of a genius, the vibrant spirit of a nationalist, and the courageous heart to sacrifice himself for a noble cause.

And you? Does he also want to become a famous and big man in the future like Dr. José Rizal? If your answer is affirmative, I encourage you, from today promise yourself that you will only socialize with the group of wise people, those people who have good visions and plans for the future. Avoid negative, toxic people who only have fun talking, criticizing, making fun of other people’s mistakes, instead of improving themselves and doing valuable works for self-improvement.

God’s word reminds you dear readers: “Do not be fooled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character'” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). And he added the Word of God: He walks with the wise, he becomes wise, but he who associates with fools suffers evil ”(Proverbs 13:20 NIV).

Before concluding my article, I would like to encourage you one more time; Do the best you can and God will do the rest!

Always remember this, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!

I wish you many Blessings to come as well as God Bless you!