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Reader question: Please explain “larger scheme of things” in this: “In the larger scheme of things, if we have 15 million gallons coming in, what is another 1 million?” My comments: Let’s put it another way: If we know we are going to have 15 million gallons (of oil?) to sell and profit from, would we mind another 1 million? In other words, the gain or loss of 1 million gallons sounds huge by itself, but in comparison with 15 million, a still larger sum, 1 million becomes a small number. Therefore, “in the larger scheme of things”, 1 million becomes insignificant. “In the larger scheme of things” is a variation of the expression “in the grand scheme of things”. If you were a Christian and they told you your own scheme (or plan) is a small scheme and God’s scheme were the grand scheme, you’d immediately understand the concept. The concept being, of course, that your own scheming (planning, conniving and conspiring) may make you feel self important and all that but in terms of being effective, your efforts often turn out to be much ado. Much ado about nothing, that is. In comparison, God’s plan is the ultimate plan for you and everyone else and it is always His plan that works. I’m not religious in the Christian way. I do not trust the Christian God, or any other such man-made deity. I trust Mother Nature instead. Therefore I prefer the Chinese saying that one’s own calculations never beat those of Heaven. | 
