“ I have a vision of a country with a soul … graceful people with fear and love of God. I have a vision of a country where men will be strong and women will be lovely and morally upright, and will stand by their men. I have a vision of a country where people are respectful and are respected, not bound by feudal ties. I have a vision of leaders mindful of the people. I wonder if it ever will be. We have a beautiful country, Maria. It is worth dying for.
— Jose Rizal, through the character of Crisostomo Ibarra in Rizal’s first novel, Noli Me Tangere (1887). (via indiohistorian)