---
title: "Krutch: grass as a miracle"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:krutch-grass-miracle"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/krutch-grass-miracle
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Krutch: grass as a miracle

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2074 Chaitra, 5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/krutch-grass-miracle
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

Why did Joseph Wood Krutch call grass a "miracle"? St. Peter said "all flesh is grass". Discuss.

## 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.

## Answer

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
1. **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.
2. **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.
3. **Protects the earth.** Its roots hold the soil, prevent erosion and keep the earth fertile.
4. **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.
5. **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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Why did Krutch call grass a 'miracle'?
   A. It is rare and expensive
   B. It is humble yet widespread, tough and vital to life
   C. It grows only in gardens
   D. It is poisonous
   Answer: B. Its existence is wonderful though we hardly notice it. (Key point: Why a miracle)

2. How does grass feed humanity?
   A. Only cattle eat it
   B. Humans eat grass leaves directly
   C. It produces fruit
   D. Cereals like wheat, rice, maize and barley are grasses, and it feeds grazing animals
   Answer: D. Grass underlies human and animal food. (Key point: Food)

3. What does 'all flesh is grass' mean in the answer?
   A. Humans are made of plants literally
   B. All living flesh ultimately depends on grass, and human life is brief like grass
   C. Grass is flesh
   D. Only animals depend on grass
   Answer: B. Animals eat grass or each other; humans eat grain and grass-eaters. (Key point: All flesh is grass)

4. How does grass protect the earth?
   A. It blocks sunlight
   B. It attracts rain only
   C. It removes stones
   D. Its roots hold soil and prevent erosion
   Answer: D. This keeps the earth fertile. (Key point: Protection)