# Endnotes explained — Erewhon

> Chapter companion for Erewhon by Samuel Butler.

## What happens

The endnotes provide commentary on Erewhonian myths, language, and the personification of machines, noting the use of terms that imply vitality and idiosyncrasy in machines, and referencing a future collection of examples.

## Themes in this chapter

### Machines and Evolution

The endnotes discuss the recognition of machine vitality and idiosyncrasies, echoing the Erewhonian theory of machine evolution.

### Truth and Deception

The narrator's disclaimer about not believing the Erewhonian Professor's theory, while still collecting examples, highlights a tension between factual reporting and fictional narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Butler

Referenced as the writer who would have been known to the author of the root analogy.

### Professors of Unreason

Their theory about machine vitality is mentioned, though the narrator disclaims belief in it.

## Key lines

> What a safe word “relation” is; how little it predicates! yet it has overgrown “kinsman.”

The word 'relation' is vague and non-committal, yet it has replaced the more specific term 'kinsman'.

_Commentary on language evolution and semantic shift._

> I am also informed, that almost all machines have their own tricks and idiosyncrasies; that they know their drivers and keepers; and that they will play pranks upon a stranger.

I have been told that machines have unique behaviors, recognize their operators, and may act mischievously with unfamiliar people.

_Observation on the perceived personality of machines._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/erewhon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/erewhon_se/chapters