When the nations which owed to him their freedom from Spain were indifferent to him, it was because in the course of their efforts to be Europeans, (something they were not and never could be), they had lost their cultural orientation. And Bolivar's essence and character, his life and works are intelligible only within the framework of the Spanish-American culture which had formed him. When Bolivar became a symbol of controversy, it was because centrifugal tendencies -- national rivalries, the ambitions and treacheries of lesser men, and sometimes, gross ignorance -- were relentlessly undermining the foundation of his life's work.

Bolivar as the Leader. Bolivar was more than a simple soldier, more than a nationalist or an internationalist. He was a man and a leader of many talents. It is the man and the leader that initially compel attention.

He was a changemaker, not an opportunist. By keeping faith with his ideals and exhibiting rare qualities of leadership, he ultimately moved his people to want freedom. Once the desire was aroused, he could exploit those of his qualities which made others see him as their saviour.

Generosity was one of the characteristics that Bolivar exhibited throughout his public carrer. That he contributed his great personal forture to the cause of liberty may be evidence of the generous strain in him or it may have been a reflection of his indifference to money, which as a youth he spent lavishly and which as an adult he handed out to nearly every petitioner. That with his health broken, he fought as convincingly for political unity as he had fought earlier for liberty may be a more important testimony to his generosity towards his compatriots. His generosity sometimes reached the extreme of lavishness. He not only gave away everything he had, but also incurred debts to help others. While prodigal with his own, he was tight-fisted with public money.

He had the rare gifts of a good conversationalist and liked to narrate anecdotes about his past life. His speeches and writings are replete with daring and original images. His proclamations are models of military eloquence.

At times, Bolivar's generosity towards those who fought by his side may have contained an admixture of flattery "for the general good." Assuredly, he could have known about flattery from his own receptiveness to it. For the most part, however, his praise was an honest expression of his feelings. The continued dedication and loyalty ofhis subordinates tohim and their ability under his inspiration to rise repeatedly to new heights suggest much more than a response to mere flattery.