 Although he maintained a demanding and harsh disposition , Guevara also viewed his role of commander as one of a teacher , entertaining his men during breaks between engagements with readings from the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson , Cervantes , and Spanish lyric poets . Together with this role , and inspired by José Martí 's principle of " literacy without borders " , Guevara further ensured that his rebel fighters made daily time to teach the uneducated campesinos with whom they lived and fought to read and write , in what Guevara termed the " battle against ignorance " . Tomás Alba , who fought under Guevara 's command , later stated that " Che was loved , in spite of being stern and demanding . We would ( have ) given our life for him . " 
