When we stand in the middle of a wood, we can see only the trees immediately
around us, but we know that the wood is there, for if there were no trees
there would be no wood. People who, metaphorically speaking, cannot see the
wood for the trees are those who become so involved in detail that they cannot
see matter as a whole.

> ‘Before we decide whether to have a public swimming pool,’ said the Chairman
of the Council, ‘we must settle all the many minor questions that might
arise.’

> ‘Why not settle the main question first?’ suggested a councilor. ‘Do we or
do we not want a swimming pool? With all respect, Mr Chairman, your trouble is
that you can’t see the wood for the trees. ‘