Consider the following quote by W$.$R$.$ Ashby from Design for a brain in $1960$:

"I would like then to start from the basic fact that every model of a real system is in one sense second rate. Nothing can exceed, or even equal, the truth and accuracy of the real system itself. Every model is inferior, a distortion, a lie $...$ No electronic model of a cat's brain can possibly be as true as that provided by another cat; yet of what use is the latter as a model? Its very closeness means that it also presents all the technical features that makes the first so difficult. From here on$,$ I shall take as a basis the thesis that the first virtue of a model is to be useful.$\text{'}\text{'}$

Do you agree with this statement? If any model is "second rate'$\text{'},$ why do we need models?