This book consists of a condensed biography of Jose Rizal and 14 essays that discuss his ideals and works – his undying love for the motherland, his encouragement of reforms, his advocacy for Philippine independence, his schemes for a bloody revolution to end Spanish rule, and his championing of education and labor as the most effective tools to end ignorance, poverty, and injustice – which all led him into being hailed by his countrymen themselves as the greatest of their heroes.