- 2074 Chaitra · 5 marks
Krutch: grass as a miracle
Short answer
Grass is a miracle because it grows almost everywhere, survives cutting and trampling, feeds animals and humanity through cereals, and protects the soil. 'All flesh is grass' means all living flesh ultimately depends on grass, and also that human life is brief and fades.
Why did Joseph Wood Krutch call grass a "miracle"? St. Peter said "all flesh is grass". Discuss.
Joseph Wood Krutch called grass a "miracle" because this common and humble plant is so widespread, tough and so important to life that its existence is wonderful, although we hardly notice it.
Why grass is a miracle
- Everywhere and persistent. Grass grows on almost every part of the earth, in fields, on roadsides and in cracks of pavement. It survives being cut, grazed, trampled and burned, and grows again.
- Food for life. Grass feeds cattle, sheep, deer and many other animals. The main cereals that feed humanity, such as wheat, rice, maize and barley, are also grasses.
- Protects the earth. Its roots hold the soil, prevent erosion and keep the earth fertile.
- Quiet power. Soft blades of grass can break through hard surfaces and cover land that other plants cannot, showing how life is stronger than it appears.
- Overlooked wonder. People walk over it without notice, though life depends on it.
"All flesh is grass"
St. Peter's words (also found in the Bible, Isaiah) mean that all living flesh depends on grass. Animals eat grass or eat the animals that do, and human beings eat grain and the meat or milk of grass-eaters. Therefore all flesh is ultimately made from grass. Also, like grass, human life is brief and fades.
Krutch asks us to value ordinary things and see the wonder of nature in them.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)