# Endnotes explained — The Art of War > Chapter companion for The Art of War by Sun Tzu. ## What happens The endnotes provide extensive commentary, textual clarifications, historical anecdotes, and cross-references to earlier chapters of Sun Tzǔ's work. They include discussions on military discipline, the importance of terrain, the role of the general, and the balance between severity and humanity in leadership. The notes also cite various commentators and historical figures, such as Chang Yü, Tu Mu, Li Chʽüan, and Han Hsin, and reference events like the battle at the Wei River and Lü Mêng's execution of a soldier for theft. ## Themes in this chapter ### Leadership and Discipline The endnotes emphasize the importance of stern discipline, as illustrated by Lü Mêng's execution of a soldier for theft and the balance between severity and humanity in leading troops. ### Psychology and Morale The commentary discusses how a general's actions, such as Wu Chʽi sucking a soldier's abscess, can inspire loyalty and morale, while also noting the danger of overindulgence leading to disorder. ### Strategic Use of Terrain and Environment The notes provide detailed advice on encamping near valleys and water sources, and include the anecdote of Ma Yüan seizing favorable positions to force surrender. ### Deception and Stratagem Han Hsin's use of a dam to deceive and cut off Lung Chü's army is cited as an example of tactical deception in crossing rivers. ## Character check-ins ### Chang Yü Cited for his commentary on the structure of Chapter IX and for the anecdote about Ma Yüan and Wu-tu Chʽiang. ### Tu Mu Quoted for his interpretation of 依 as 近 and for his description of the general Wu Chʽi's conduct. ### Li Chʽüan Referenced for his allusion to Han Hsin's victory at the Wei River and for mentioning the Viscount of Chʽu. ### Han Hsin Mentioned in the context of his victory over Lung Chü at the Wei River using a dam and sandbags. ### Lü Mêng Recalled for his stern discipline in executing a fellow-townsman who stole a bamboo hat, as an example of military severity. ### Wu Chʽi Described by Tu Mu as a general who shared hardships with his soldiers and sucked the abscess of a common soldier. ### Sun Tzǔ The author of the work; his principles are referenced throughout the endnotes, including the condemnation of generals who prioritize sentiment over strategy. ### Ho Shih Quoted for the remark that a noble general would not regret his conduct even if punished. ## Key lines > troops will suffer more from the defeat, or, at best, the prolongation of the war, which will be the consequence. A mistaken feeling of pity will often induce a general to relieve a beleaguered city, or to reinforce a hard-pressed detachment, contrary to his military instincts. A general's misplaced compassion can lead to greater losses or a longer war, as when he tries to aid a besieged city or a struggling unit against his better judgment. _This passage criticizes sentiment-driven decisions in war, using the relief of Ladysmith as an example._ > He wore the same clothes and ate the same food as the meanest of his soldiers, refused to have either a horse to ride or a mat to sleep on, carried his own surplus rations wrapped in a parcel, and shared every hardship with his men. The general lived exactly like his lowest soldiers, without any special comforts, and endured all the same difficulties they faced. _Tu Mu's description of Wu Chʽi's leadership style, emphasizing shared hardship to build loyalty._ > Lü Mêng considered that the fact of his being also a native of Ju-nan should not be allowed to palliate a clear breach of discipline, and accordingly he ordered his summary execution, the tears rolling down his face, however, as he did so. Despite their shared hometown, Lü Mêng executed the officer for stealing a bamboo hat, weeping as he enforced the rule. _An example of strict discipline overriding personal connections, as recounted by Tu Mu._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se/chapters/endnotes - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_art_of_war_se/chapters