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July 14,2025
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Che Guevara, or Comrade Guevara, is considered one of the most prominent revolutionary figures in history. His pictures are seen on walls and the clothes of young people, and his famous phrase "Patria o Muerte" (Fatherland or Death) is one of the most prominent revolutionary expressions.

However, few people study his books and ideas, despite their great value and inspiration.

In this book, Guevara explains to us the lessons of the Cuban Revolution and his experience in guerrilla warfare.

The lessons of the Cuban Revolution include: 1. The people's forces can win the war against the army. 2. It is not necessary to wait until all the conditions for making a revolution are available; rebellion can create them. 3. The rural areas in economically backward America are the main base for armed struggle.

When should we enter a guerrilla war? Guevara believes that it is foolish to maintain the struggle for social goals within the framework of civil legality. He also believes that a guerrilla explosion will only occur when peaceful means are exhausted.

How can the guerrilla force defeat the regular army? At the beginning, guerrilla warfare may seem negative and retreating, as it avoids direct confrontation with the enemy (the principle of strike and run), but the result of this general strategy is the same as any other war, which is victory and the defeat of the enemy.

Guerrilla warfare does not provide opportunities for complete victory; it is only a primitive stage of war and will continue to develop until the guerrilla army, with its steady growth, acquires the characteristics of the regular army. At that time, it will strike the final blow to the enemy and win.

How does this happen? Based on the Cuban experience, guerrilla warfare begins with a group of like-minded people with some weapons. When this group strikes a lucky blow, its reputation will increase, and a few landless peasants will join this nucleus. "Guevara believes that the core of the combatants in the guerrilla army should consist of peasants, because of the extent to which they feel hungry for the land."

After that, their numbers will increase, their caution will decrease, and they will advance on adventures in more populous places, and their enthusiasm for the liberation war will increase.

Here, the guerrilla groups will have a new organization and structure, and they will capture weapons from their enemy. The combat will become more balanced because they will have captured heavy weapons from their enemy and perhaps some vehicles. The gradual partial victories will turn into final victories.

Guevara emphasizes the importance of the leader. In the Cuban war, Fidel Castro emerged as a great leader, being a fighter and a statesman, and he deserves great credit for the struggle and victory.

However, we cannot say that the Cuban people could not have won without him, but that victory would have come at a greater cost and in a less perfect way.

The role of women in guerrilla warfare from Guevara's perspective: Although there are few female combatants, they are capable of fighting and performing the hardest tasks side by side with men without any sexual discrimination.

It is true that women are physically weaker than men, but they are no less determined, and they can perform combat roles, as well as work in transportation, send messages, and carry ammunition.

A trained woman can also be a help to the soldiers, and she can teach reading and impart revolutionary theory in schools, starting with the peasants and later with the soldiers and revolutionaries. She can also organize schools, which is an important part of civil organization, in addition to her role in medical affairs and military industries such as the manufacture of military uniforms.

The participation of women in the armed life of the guerrillas is a rare case, but if necessary, she can and should replace men.

Besides that, there are many fields in which she can work and support the fighting guerrillas.

In conclusion, the struggle will be long and painful, and there will be setbacks that will bring it to the brink of destruction. Nothing can save the struggle from decline to oblivion except a lofty spirit, organization, confidence in final victory, and excellent leadership that scorns hardships.

The Cuban experience began with twelve men who were able to form an organized army, and they were led to victory in their revolutionary war by a leader named Fidel Castro.
July 14,2025
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I am definitely going on a government list for adding this on Goodreads. It's such an interesting and unique thing to do. I can just imagine the reactions when people find out. Maybe there will be some confusion at first, but then they'll realize the significance of it. Goodreads is a platform where book lovers gather, and adding this particular item will surely spark some discussions. It could be a new trend or a way to bring attention to something that might otherwise go unnoticed. Who knows what kind of impact it will have? But one thing is for sure, I'm excited to be a part of it and see where it leads.

July 14,2025
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Much like Mao's text, Guevara's expansion and interpretation of guerilla warfare in his context places great emphasis on the significance of political education among the guerillas and the surrounding citizens. He firmly believes that political education is essential for the guerillas to have a clear understanding of their goals and the ideology they are fighting for. At the same time, it also helps to raise the awareness and support of the nearby civilians. Guevara emphasizes the necessity of unity with the civilians for various reasons. They can provide resources such as food, shelter, and weapons, as well as valuable information about the enemy's movements and positions. In addition, the civilians can serve as a buffer between the guerillas and the enemy, making it more difficult for the enemy to detect and attack the guerillas.


Also important, if not the most important, is something that every military leader writes about - shoes. Time and time again, Guevara says that shoes and securing leather are critical to the success of the guerilla warfare. In the harsh and rugged terrain where the guerillas operate, good shoes are essential for their mobility and comfort. Without proper shoes, the guerillas may suffer from foot injuries and blisters, which can seriously affect their ability to fight and move. Therefore, Guevara stresses the importance of ensuring that the guerillas have enough shoes and that they are of good quality.

July 14,2025
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Was gifted to me. This volume stands in contrast to political theory and encompasses no autobiographical elements beyond the introduction. In fact, this book is merely a manual for structuring combat forces and guerrilla movements. It presents cool concepts regarding the disparities between guerrilla fighters and state fighters, as well as the distinct systems of morale employed by both. Additionally, there are interesting notions about what the leaders of a movement owe to their people. However, it was not truly relatable or useful to me in the slightest, and it was a bit repetitive.


Perhaps for those with a specific interest in military strategy or the organization of guerrilla warfare, this book might hold some value. But for the average reader, like myself, it failed to engage or provide any real practical insights. The repetitive nature of the content also made it a bit of a chore to get through. While the ideas presented were somewhat novel, they were not developed in a way that made them accessible or applicable to a wider audience. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.

July 14,2025
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Both the content and the work itself are products of their time, but they are still being reviewed.

Genre: Essay.

What it tells us: A manual on guerrilla warfare that analyzes the phenomenon from the perspectives of its time, both at the strategic and tactical levels, the deployment in friendly or hostile territories, its organization, and an analysis of the situation in Cuba during the author's time and his vision on the possible evolution of the environment.

If you want to know more about the book, without spoilers, visit:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/... This work provides valuable insights into the complex world of guerrilla warfare. It delves deep into the various aspects, offering a comprehensive understanding. The analysis of the strategic and tactical levels helps readers grasp the intricacies of planning and executing guerrilla operations. The discussion on deployment in different territories highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise. Additionally, the examination of the situation in Cuba during the author's time gives context and a real-world example. Overall, this book is a must-read for those interested in military history, guerrilla warfare, or the works of the author.

July 14,2025
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Well, I kinda skim read it.

However, the parts that I did read were actually quite interesting.

I had no idea that there were so many ways to plan surprise attacks. But now that I know, y'all better watch your back :P

Surprise attacks can be a powerful strategy in various situations. It could be in a game, a business competition, or even in a military context.

The element of surprise can catch the opponent off guard and give the attacker an advantage.

There are different methods to plan a surprise attack, such as choosing the right time and place, using decoys or distractions, and keeping the plan secret.

By being aware of these strategies, we can better protect ourselves and be prepared for any unexpected situations.

So, next time you encounter a situation where a surprise attack might be possible, remember to stay vigilant and be ready to defend yourself.
July 14,2025
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This book is a compilation of a series of documents. The first one was written in 1960, and the last one is a pamphlet that was published in English just a few months before the death of Che Guevara, a renowned South American revolutionary and hero.

The book delves into the topic of guerrilla warfare, specifically focusing on fighting in regions with a landscape similar to that of South America and other places. Che Guevara shares his insights on tactics and offers valuable advice on how to survive as a fighter, which is clearly based on his own experiences. He passionately advocates for the rights of ordinary people to govern themselves and resists the rule of colonialists who have poor attitudes, especially America, towards native and indigenous people, as well as those with left-leaning thoughts. He envisions a socialist revolution not only sweeping across South America but also reaching Africa.

In light of America's current policy of continuously funding organizations and dictators that target socialist, democratically elected governments or left-wing groups in countries worldwide (such as Venezuela, Morocco, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the list goes on for the past 40-50 years), these essays would seem fresh and still highly relevant, were it not for the significant changes in technology and the way warfare is conducted today. Some aspects of the book do feel a bit dated due to this technological evolution.

Che could never have anticipated the crucial role of aircraft technology, which he was dismissive of, or the use of drones in our digital age. He writes with great passion, sometimes in a dry manner, and is highly idealistic, yet at times, realism prevails as he advocates for specific rules and behaviors. Just like the law-breaking soldiers in 'Goodbye To All That' by Robert Graves, guerrilla fighters also must be disciplined when necessary, as illustrated by a chilling example. Che promotes the participation of female fighters and highlights the benefits of their inclusion in various aspects such as ways of life, fighting strategies, and survival in difficult terrains. From this book, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a fighter and how one's mindset operates.

When Che went to Bolivia, he was not prepared for a well-equipped US, CIA-trained army. Tragically, he was killed by such fighters in 1967. His last words are rumored to be, "I know you've come to kill me. Shoot coward, you are only going to kill a man." Regardless of the truth, the man is gone, but his legend lives on in the hearts and minds of would-be revolutionaries around the world. It is a truly chilling and fascinating read.

July 14,2025
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This book has been translated

under the name "The War of the Pigs"

It is a good book, but its drawback is that most of its content is about the author's experience, which is the Cuban Revolution and the guerrilla war in it

It would have been better if its content was about guerrilla war in general

And also had more development in talking about politics

But overall, it is a good book.

Perhaps in the future, the author could consider expanding on these aspects to make the book even more comprehensive and engaging. This would allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of not only the specific events and experiences described but also the broader context and implications. Additionally, a more in-depth exploration of political themes could add another layer of richness to the narrative. Overall, despite its current limitations, this book still has the potential to be a valuable and thought-provoking read.
July 14,2025
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Ernesto "Che" Guevara is a revolutionary who fought in the guerrilla wars. He dedicated himself to the cause of the people, rising up against the oppressors in multiple countries. Despite being an atheist Marxist, his actions and beliefs had a profound impact on the world.


Guevara's life was filled with adventure and struggle. He traveled across Latin America, witnessing the poverty and injustice that plagued the region. These experiences led him to join the revolutionary movement and fight for a better future.


One of the most significant aspects of Guevara's legacy is his teachings on guerrilla warfare. He believed that small, mobile groups of fighters could effectively challenge a larger, more powerful enemy. His strategies and tactics have been studied and emulated by revolutionary movements around the world.


In conclusion, Ernesto "Che" Guevara is a complex and controversial figure. While some view him as a hero and a symbol of resistance, others criticize his methods and ideology. Nevertheless, his life and work continue to inspire generations of people to fight for social justice and equality.
July 14,2025
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Nieko netikėta, bet turbūt ir negalėjo nustebinti.

Per daug jau žinomas kūrinys. Che Guevaros partizanų karo koncepcija akivaizdžiai maoistinė, bet tai taip pat gerai žinomas faktas.

Įdomu, kad jis atviresnis už Mao, todėl gana aiškiai nurodo, kad vadinamasis gyventojų palaikymas, kurį abu su Mao laiko būtina sėkmingo karo sąlyga, įgijamas ne vien gražiu elgesiu, bet ir grubia jėga (Che Guevara tai vadina "griežtai bausti").

Apskritai čia daug kas be užuolankų parašyta: ir kaip reikia žemės reforma manipuliuoti, ir kokios strategijos laikytis tarptautinėje kovoje su imperialistais, ir kaip Che Guevara mato tos kovos mechaniką.

Visa tai ne mažiau įdomu nei visokios egzotiškos ir neabejotinai asmenine patirtimi pagrįstos detalės apie smirdančius nesipraususių partizanų būrius ir kaip svarbu partizanui turėti "ko nors saldaus".

Žodžiu, tai vadovėlis pradedančiam komunistui teroristui. Toks sumanytas, toks ir parašytas.

This text presents an interesting perspective on Che Guevara's ideas. It highlights the similarities and differences between his concept of guerrilla warfare and that of Mao. The mention of how the support of the people is obtained through both good behavior and brute force is quite thought-provoking. The detailed description of various aspects such as land reform manipulation, strategies in the international struggle against imperialists, and the mechanics of the struggle as seen by Che Guevara adds depth to the discussion. Additionally, the inclusion of personal experiences like the smell of unwashed guerrilla hideouts and the importance of having something sweet for a guerrilla makes the text more engaging. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at Che Guevara's ideas and their implications for a budding communist terrorist.
July 14,2025
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Fun book.

I think that most things hold value when we engage in reading, and the stars don't seem to reflect that, as I know.

The issues with this book pertain to the oversights in combat, which are mainly related to time. Since it was written in the 60s, technology has changed significantly.

For someone attempting to understand platoon level operations, such as for ROTC, I feel that there are some cool descriptions that draw analogies between a conventional platoon and a guerrilla band.

A lot of what Guevara says about nations and their masters is quite interesting to observe. I've heard similar concepts before, and it's fascinating to have something that can partially link them back.

This book offers a unique perspective on various aspects, despite its flaws in the combat area. It provides valuable insights and can be a great resource for those interested in military operations and related topics.

Overall, it's a book that can engage and educate readers, especially those with a curiosity about the intersection of history, military strategy, and political thought.

July 14,2025
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A book of an old style deals, in its first part, with the revolutionary war or the war of gangs, focusing on the Cuban experience which is one of its heroes.

It goes into tedious details that time has elapsed. As for the second part, it consists of scattered articles with no connection between them.

In the book, there are some useful ideas but they are few in proportion to the size of the book and in proportion to the name of the great author.

The change of time, as well as geography, the nature of the population, the development of weapons and their availability may have an effect on the ability to benefit from this book.
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