The forest and the trees

摘要

An old adage has it that 'to a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail'. It means, of course, that we tend to look at the world through a keyhole of our own experience and expertise. Some years ago I read an enlightening but dispiriting tale by a journalist with persistent discomfort in her lower back. She embarked on a series of visits to various experts in search of a cure. These experts said she needed physical manipulation, therapy, surgery, natural foods, exercise - better footwear even, while an ergonomics expert mentioned improved seating. There was probably a germ of truth in each recommendation, but not the whole truth.