Maps are not the Territory

Billy Shin — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:05:03 GMT

A map functions as a reduced, simplified, streamlined representation of the real world. We all function in maps, or a simplified heuristic models of different parts of our reality. Heuristics, the simplification of the world representation is an example of a ‘map’. Anything really, which simplifies the world to a more digestible, parseable system is a map.

With this context, we can see how there are maps all over our world, everyday. GPS directions, configuration files, electrical diagrams, software architecture, so on and so on.

The problem with any maps, or simplification systems is that it hides away a lot of the complexities, gives false confidence to the reader, and makes things much simpler sounding that it really is. Take for example, an electrician’s diagram of your house. They have cable lines, junction boxes, and switches and outlets. It hides away the amperage requirements, the wire thickness and resistance of those wires which are needed to be taken into account when building this out. Also, how these lines are NOT really straight, and they have to interact with the wood and foundations as well as the pipes for HVAC and plumbing; those are on different maps, and different guides for wire usage.

So in summary:

Maps are representation or a simulation of the real-world in a simplified form for a specific purpose and audience.
Those maps are NOT a 1:1 representation of reality.
Experience and knowledge is required to fully use maps; and true experience and knowledge comes knowing what those maps do NOT represent.

Mental Models

Billy Shin — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:16:03 GMT

I have always had a vague recollection of mental models, perhaps on thinking about HOW to think.

Recently, I was pointed to a book, called The Great Mental Models by Shane Perris , and it put into words the vague recollection and grasp I had on mental models, which I relied on reflexivly and intuitively.

I find it, often, its hard to think! You are lost in the details, and consequences of your decision and the follow up actions. I have to get away from these compunding factors to think clearly about the problem or task at hand.

I realize, I often fall back on first principal thinking, but in reality that's only one way of many, in how to approach a problem, and other models may work better to certain situations.

The models:

Inversion Principal

Always invert

First Principals

What is the thing you can't reduce?

2nd (and perhaps, third) order affects

What are the affects of ths your action, and what are the affects of those affects?

Circle of Confidence
Probablistic Thinking
Occam's razor

Simplest systems, with the least moving parts, are the most likely to be true

Hanlon's razor

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity

Thought Experiments
The Map is not the Territory

Our representations (maps, models, words, beliefs) of reality are not reality itself (the territory); they are simplifications that can be useful but are incomplete and can lead to errors if mistaken for the complex, actual world

I am going to be writing more in depth about this.

Billy Shin (Posts about mental-models)

Maps are not the Territory

Mental Models