At long last, here are some more reflections on Facundo.  The later chapters of the book illustrate two distinct types of leaders, exemplified by the figures of Facundo and Rosas.  Rosas is in many ways a Machiavellian dictator who rules and maintains rule by possessing and exercising absolute control.  He metes out punishment almost indiscriminately and seems to have to qualms whatsoever.  He is a manipulator and a murderer.  He is the antithesis to Plato’s philosopher king: he desires power and therefore should never have it.  Rosas claims to be uninterested in power, saying that he requires authority and obedience only to keep order and insisting that he could never abuse them.  Rosas says that a school teacher must have a whip in his hand so that his authority will be respected.  However, despite this allusion to altruism, Rosas is shown by Sarmiento to use that whip time and time again.  The chaos in Buenos Aires is a good indicator of the difference in the two leaders.  Rosas allows the chaos and mayhem in the city to get out of control, waiting for people to become desperate and in danger.  Only then does he submit to taking leadership, feigning reluctance and requesting as a condition of his return the “extraordinary powers” over public and private life that are his whip. 

While Facundo is no philosopher king, he does not desire power in the same way as Rosas and as such is more fit to be a leader of the people.  He fights for what he believes to be right for Argentines, not simply himself.  When confronted with the fear and confusion in Buenos Aires Facundo claims that he could have forestalled such conflict had he been there.  The sheer force of Facundo’s will is enough to make men follow him, and his physical presence inspires obedience.  Unlike Rosas he is unwilling to retire to a safe place and await his opportunity for gain.  Instead, Facundo deliberately tempts fate and invites disaster, if only to prove that his confidence and fearlessness are based on truth.  Facundo refuses to avoid traps set to bring about his demise, even when warned by his supporters.  Instead he boasts and walks into them undaunted and unprotected.  Somehow he emerges unscathed, and the power of his reputation grows. 

Everything about Facundo’s leadership is passionate and unafraid, while Rosas’ is calculating and unmerciful.  Both men share qualities of unflinching will, but the fundamental differences between them are what make Sarmiento’s criticism of Rosas and admiration for Facundo so relatable and so significant.