The previous post on unreachable tracks put forward some thoughts on a diagram. Since posting that I have had a significant change of mind in terms of the ‘accuracy’ of the diagram.
I originally described it as a simplified view which had its limitations (as all models do) but I now am more inclined to think that on the left hand side of the diagram it is more than ‘just’ simplified’ it is actually quite wrong in one specific respect. It purports to show all the ‘possible’ lives that had been open to you in the past but there is one – to me – significant flaw.
When it comes to any decision you have to make a choice between two or more ways forward. You will, if you are wise, think ahead about the possibilities along each path. However, there is NO way you can know what lies down any of the paths and, with one or two notable exceptions, you will never know what lay along the paths not trodden.
So – all the black branches should really only progress a little way, certainly not as far as the next decision making point unless you choose to represent your ‘expectations’ of the other path rather than what would ‘actually’ happen along that route. Then you could justify a little lengthening – but not to the extent in the diagram.
I sort of expect that this will continue to rattle around in my head for a while, so there maybe further additions.