2nd December 2011
`The map is not the territory' is an important NLP presupposition. We all know what a map is and what a territory is. If we have the map of a place and try to understand the territory through the map, our understanding may not be 100%. To understand the territory fully, we have to explore the nook and corner of the territory. If we take the map to be the territory, our interpretation of the territory will be as incomplete as our understanding of the map. Sometimes, the territory may change and map might not be updated.
This simple principle is reflected in this NLP presupposition. Our understanding of the world is not the world, it is our interpretation of the world; our understanding of a person is not that person, it is our interpretation of that person.
Here is an incident I want you mentally watch: you are in the visitors' area of an airport to receive someone. You notice a person moving around suspiciously, his eyes looking this side and that side, quite nervous. He goes to the restroom area, looks around, seems to be convinced, and nods his head. He then goes to the baggage conveyor, picks up a red suitcase, quickly rushes to the restroom area, looks around to ensure that no one is observing him and removes the baggage tag. He then walks out through the exit gate quite nervously.
Now, think about what you saw, and write what you think about that person!
Wait till my next newsletter and I'll tell you more about this man!
N C Sridharan
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