The map of reality is not reality. Even the best maps are imperfect. That’s because they are reductions of what they represent. If a map were to represent the territory with perfect fidelity, it would no longer be a reduction and thus would no longer be useful to us. A map can also be a snapshot of a point in time, representing something that no longer exists. This is important to keep in mind as we think through problems and make better decisions.

The map of reality is not reality.

A.) A map may have a structure similar or dissimilar to the structure of the territory. B.) Two similar structures have similar ‘logical’ characteristics. Thus, if in a correct map, Dresden is given as between Paris and Warsaw, a similar relation is found in the actual territory. C.) A map is not the actual territory. D.) An ideal map would contain the map of the map, the map of the map of the map, etc., endlessly…We may call this characteristic self-reflexiveness.

Maps vs Territories

However, in his string of arguments on the structure of language, Korzybski introduced and popularized the idea that the map is not the territory.  In other words, the description of the thing is not the thing itself. The model is not reality. The abstraction is not the abstracted. This  has enormous practical consequences.

Description Of Thing ≠ Thing

To solve this problem, the mind creates maps of reality in order to understand it, because the only way we can process the complexity of reality is through abstraction. But frequently, we don’t understand our maps or their limits. In fact, we are so reliant on abstraction that we will frequently use an incorrect model simply because we feel any  model is preferable to no  model. (Reminding one of the drunk looking for his keys under the streetlight because “That’s where the light is!”)

Mind And Maps 🧠 🗺

“All models are wrong but some are useful.”

A model might show you some risks, but not the risks of using it. Moreover, models are built on a finite set of parameters, while reality affords us infinite sources of risks.

Good explanation on a theory covered in depth by Peterson and Nassim.

The map of reality is not reality. Even the best maps are imperfect. That's because they are reductions of what they represent. If a map were to represent the territory with perfect fidelity, it would no longer be a reduction and thus would no longer be useful to us.

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

problemsolving

Problem Solving

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

The Map Is Not the Territory - Farnam Street

Now I do! Below are all of my favorite templates and frameworks that I rely on. As a bonus, I <a href="https://twitter.com/lennysan/status/1287862995268206592">asked the wonderful people of Twitter </a>to share their favorites, from which I picked my favorites and included. Enjoy!

Q: I’ve seen you share a few PM templates in the past. Do you have a place to find all of your favorite templates?

Over the years I have relied heavily on Lenny’s resources. Here is a good reference point. 

The Map Is Not the Territory - Farnam Street

My favorite product management templates

Hunter Yeagley