The numerous discussions that took place at the colloquium have reemphasized the primary importance of polarization observations and their interpretation for understanding the magnetospheric structure and the radiation mechanisms of pulsars. I have tried to take them into account in the summary at the end of this written version of my review of polarization phenomena, where I also attempt to address some of the questions raised by both observers and theorists as to what message polarization has for the planning of future observations and for the development of theories to explain pulsar radiation mechanisms. Because I feel it is relevant I shall begin with a little history to put things in perspective.