Jose Rizal: 'Routine is a declivity down which many governments slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous.'

Routine is a declivity down which many governments slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous.

In his profound wisdom, Jose Rizal, the Filipino national hero, once said, "Routine is a declivity down which many governments slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous." At first glance, this quote may seem straightforward, warning us about the dangers of falling into a monotonous routine and the government's inclination to suppress the freedom of the press. However, when we delve deeper into these words, we uncover a hidden philosophical concept that calls upon us to question the very essence of societal structures and individual autonomy.Routine is often regarded as a mundane and monotonous aspect of our lives. It encompasses the habitual tasks we engage in day after day, the unexciting patterns that we follow without much thought. Yet, Rizal's words provide a profound insight into the societal implications of routine. He suggests that routine is not solely a personal matter, but a potentially hazardous slope on which governments can slide to restrict freedom.When we think about routine, we commonly associate it with comfort and stability. But Rizal urges us to consider the dangers it may bring. By embracing a routine, governments risk becoming complacent and stagnant in their governance. The repetitive nature of routine may breed indifference towards the welfare and rights of their citizens, leading to an erosion of the very democratic ideals upon which societies are built.Moreover, Rizal emphasizes the notion that routine perceives freedom of the press as dangerous. The press serves as a vital pillar in upholding democracy by providing information, holding those in power accountable, and fostering public discourse. In this context, routine symbolizes the entrenched habits and attitudes that hinder governments from supporting an independent media. When a government is entrenched in routine, it often feels threatened by the unrestricted flow of information, as it undermines its control over the narrative and exposes any potential wrongdoings or injustices.But what if routine, when viewed from a different perspective, could hold the key to our individual autonomy and societal transformation? Contrary to the conventional understanding of routine as a stifler of creativity and freedom, some philosophical concepts suggest that embracing routines can actually liberate us.The philosopher Albert Camus proposed the idea of "Absurdism," which contends that the search for meaning in an inherently meaningless world is a futile endeavor. According to Camus, the only way to combat the absurdity of existence is by embracing the ordinary aspects of life. Routine, in this sense, becomes a means of rebellion against the chaos and uncertainty that pervades human existence. By seeking solace in routine, we can find a modicum of control and stability in a capricious world.Despite this philosophical concept, Rizal's quote remains pertinent and thought-provoking. It warns against the detrimental consequences of routine when manifested in governments and its impact on freedom of the press. While routine may offer us personal solace, it should not blind us to the potential dangers it imposes on our democratic societies.In the end, Rizal's quote serves as a reminder for us to strike a delicate balance. We should embrace routines that bring structure and meaning to our lives while remaining vigilant against the encroachment of routine within our governance systems. By doing so, we can safeguard our freedom of the press and ensure that governments do not slide down the slope of complacency, but instead remain accountable to the people they serve.