The Straight Line Paradox

On the map, it’s usually easy. 

Point A to Point B. Set the goal. Make the plan. Start driving. 

Clean. Predictable. Efficient. 

But it never works that way.

We hit traffic and detours. We miss exits. We run into flooded streets, trains stopped at the crossing, and protestors shutting the route down. None of that is on the map. 

How could it be?

The map has no temporal context. It doesn’t know anything but a static route. It doesn’t see the flat tire, the person who wants to talk, or the temporary shutdown.

But would be who you needed to become if the line were straight?

The straight line looks great on paper.

But it wouldn’t have been better.