What is the big picture? I think of it in terms of the forest and the trees, a long range synoptic overview.

The Earth - Big picture, the beautiful blue marble. Close-up, garbage and pollution.
Humanity - Big picture, noble and heroic. Close-up flawed to say the least
USA - Big picture, freedom, opportunity, tolerance. Close-up - somewhat flawed.
Islam - Big picture, cruel, intolerant, ignorant. Close-up - gets a bad rap based on ? percentage of their people.

Individuals - Big picture, open minded, filled with love for small animals and fellow man. Close-up, nobody is perfect but look to their long term realionships with those who have a right to depend on them. Some replace family with pets and people they don't know because they require unconditional love. Pets and people you don't know are never disappointed in you.