Summary: The text "Thirty-three years" explores the life and career of General Smuts, highlighting key moments from his early education at Cambridge, his disillusionment with the Jameson Raid, to his significant role in the Boer War and his later political career in South Africa. The narrative delves into Smuts' interactions with prominent figures like Rhodes, Kruger, and Milner, offering insights into his personal and political development. Smuts' intellectual pursuits, including his study on Walt Whitman and his interest in philosophy and science, are also detailed. The text paints a picture of a complex and influential figure in South African history, shedding light on his relationships, beliefs, and contributions to the political landscape of the time. Smuts grappled with issues of race, labor relations, and the dynamics of power, shaping his trajectory from a young scholar to a formidable political leader in the context of a changing South Africa.