As leader of the reform movement of Filipino students in Spain; Rizal contributed essays; allegories; poems; and editorials to the Spanish newspaper La Solidaridad in Barcelona (in this case Rizal used a pen name; Dimasalang).

The core of his writings centers on liberal and progressive ideas of individual rights and freedom; specifically; rights for the Filipino people. He shared the same sentiments with members of the movement: that the Philippines is battling; in Rizal's own words; 'a double-faced Goliath'鈥攃orrupt friars and bad government.