Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (2024)

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (1)

My Pondering

I liked this show as a kid, watching on TV as a boy, much like you Kwai Chaine I appreciate it even more as an adult looking to optimize and improve my mindset.

Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin monk, roams around the western United States in the 1870’s. He often flashes back to his early formative training in the monastery from his teachers, the blind Master Poand Master Chen Ming Kan. In those flashbacks recall moments, Master Po advises his young student “patience, Grasshopper”, a nickname given from a lesson he taught to young Caine as a boy to being aware of the world around him, including the grasshopper that happened to be at his feet at that moment.

Many of the aphorisms used in the series are adapted from or derived directly from the Tao Te Ching, a book of ancient Taoist philosophy attributed to the sage Lao-tzu.

Here is clip for your viewing:

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (2)

To successfully engage in any long term endeavor, one must willingly participate. To have a strong why and purpose of one’s free will.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (3)

Some people, the best of us, have a mind which is wiser than average. Their mindset aids them. By understanding fundamentals and being eager to learn,

Caine was an idea student and a good example for us.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (4)

Clarity of purpose, clarity of the mission and clarity of the situation is critical. When we act based upon sound doctrine and strong principle which are embedded in minds (brain and heart), we make better and quicker decisions and this allows us to focus on peripherals, the details, to see what other people miss.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (5)

The battle is already on and hot whether we acknowledge it or not. There is an invisible war in the spiritual realm. When you are in tune and live accordingly with God, you have already on the ultimate battle.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (6)

Jesus Christ said similar, that He came so that we may live the abundant life. Though Caine was not a Christian, he was taught many Godly principles. When we are focused, trained and disciplined we are able to excel.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (7)

Caine was often attacked and ridiculed due to his humility and desire for peace foremost. He was truly the epitome of meekness, power under control. People who are vain and prideful often blunder and cause their on demise as God opposes the proud.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (8)

All life is precious, even that of fools. First seek for good of all encountered. Seek to serve with no expectation required for givers gain the most, just sometimes in intangible and ways to be determined later. A most precious facet of life is time. The dash between one’s birth – death.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (9)

This reminds me of:

“Begin with the end in mind”

Stephen Covey,
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

As well as the greek philosopher who stated:

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Aristotle

No doubt, knowing God helps us to know ourselves.

Life is walk, as the Bible refers to, hopefully a rather long one with no doubt twists and turns. Patience is important as lasting true success is commutative.

Success is a journey,
not a destination.

Anonymous

Here is a clip from the show where Caine learns a valuable lesson on a journey: Watch here.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (10)

Caine discovers how water is always balanced and wears down mountains by its steady flow. Know God, know peace. This is wise.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (11)

We are to use our whole self to sense the world, our five physical senses and our spiritual sixth sense as well.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (12)

Being a continuous learner is where it’s at. Leaders are readers. When we stop learning, we start dying.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (13)

Caine learn a lesson from nature regarding life ripples from one generation to the next, from one life event to another. Love transcends and transforms like nothing else.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (14)

Ignorance is a lame excuse but takes many down as they ignore their fleshly weaknesses. No man is immune to interior collapse and that’s why we need to rely on a higher power.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (15)

The could be straight from ‘The Art of War’ by fellow Chinese and military genius and general, Sun Tzu who wrote:

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win”

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”

Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (16)

This is what all great leaders do, what all great people do; help others win. To love God and love people,

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (17)

No doubt, a strong offense makes the best defense. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. As Caine said:

“Expect the unexpected.”

Caine
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (18)

This is a solid example to respect our opponents and competition by not belittling them.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (19)

We all perceive things differently. We are wise to discern the truth and reality.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (20)

There is a time for war and a time for peace.

As Ronald Reagan so well exemplified un dealing with the Russians during win the Cold War:

Trust and Verify.

Ronald Reagan

Love ultimately conquers and is the greatest aspiration.

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (21)

We should just trust in ourselves but that we align ourselves with God’s will and way. This is in accord with Romans 8:28:

“God causes all thing to work together for good
to those who love Him and called to His purpose.”

Paul,
Romans 8:28

A gallery of select photos:

Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (22)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (23)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (24)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (25)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (26)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (27)
Grasshopper Wisdom: Top 20 quotes from Kung Fu…and them some. (2024)

FAQs

What is a good grasshopper quote? ›

Even if you're not a fan of Kung Fu Theatre, you may have heard the quotes, “Patience, Young Grasshopper” or “Well Done, Young Grasshopper”.

What did Kung Fu Master say to grasshoppers? ›

Master Po: Time is carving you, grasshopper. Let yourself be shaped according to your true nature.

What are some famous Kung Fu quotes? ›

Martial Arts Wisdom: Pearls of Insight from Karate to Kung Fu
  • "The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them." - Miyamoto Musashi.
  • "Do not fight with the strength, absorb it, and it flows, use it." - Yip Man.
  • "In the face of adversity, one's true character is revealed."
Oct 4, 2023

Why was Caine called grasshopper? ›

Po considered Caine his favorite pupil and behaved more like an elderly grandfather. Caine was given the nickname "Grasshopper" by Master Po; the reference was from an exchange where the still ignorant young Caine asked the old blind master how he could function without seeing.

What does the grasshopper symbolize? ›

Similar to small insects like ladybugs, grasshoppers are known to represent good luck. Like the dragonfly, grasshoppers also symbolize prosperity, new beginnings, and transformation. If you consistently see grasshoppers in nature, in your home, or in your dreams, it might be an important sign from the universe.

What did grasshopper call his master? ›

In the series Kung Fu, the character Grasshopper, played by David Carradine, refers to his teacher as "Master Po." This unique and respectful title reflects the deep bond and reverence Grasshopper holds for his mentor, Master Po.

What did the grasshopper learn at the end? ›

'Work hard today to get ready for tomorrow. ' The moral lesson of this story is all about being prepared. If we work hard and plan for the future, we won't find ourselves in the grasshopper's position, relying on others.

Why did the grasshopper laugh at the end? ›

Ans: The grasshopper kept laughing at the ants seeing them working hard during summer and spent his days in an idle manner.

What is the present quote in Kung Fu? ›

There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. Oogway : My friend, the panda will never fulfill his destiny, nor you yours, until you let go of the illusion of control.

Why do you yell in Kung Fu? ›

Increase Power

Shouting ensures we breathe out at the proper time. Kihap creates greater consistency with technique. The yell reduces fear and hesitation, so we strike closer to the maximum power our body can generate.

What does grasshopper mean in slang? ›

If someone called you Grasshopper, they probably are implying that you know very little about the subject currently under discussion and that they are far wiser. Very likely, it was a tongue-in-cheek comment.

WHO SAID choose wisely grasshopper? ›

“Kung Fu” was a TV series in the 1970's. As a pupil at a Monastery learning the art of Kung Fu, a very young David Carradine playing the lead character was known to his Master by a pet name and was told to “Choose wisely, Grasshopper.” Sage advice indeed.

Was David Carradine called grasshopper? ›

From the TV show "Kung Fu" in the 1970s. David Carradine played a man who had learned Kung Fu fighting in his youth, and took his skills to the Wild West of the 19th century, in the US. He had these flashbacks to where they showed a little of his training in every episode, and his teacher called him "Grasshopper".

What is the metaphor of the grasshopper? ›

Grasshoppers take risks, live by instinct, leap over obstacles and represent Fearlessness, Courage, Opportunistic, Achievement, Patience, Stability, Insightfulness, Optimism, Creativity and the love of a challenge.

What can you say about grasshopper? ›

Grasshoppers are diurnal insects—meaning, they are most active during the day time. Grasshoppers have had a long relationship with humans. Swarms of locusts can have devastating effects and cause famine, having done so since Biblical times. Even in smaller numbers, the insects can be serious pests.

What is the idiom with grasshopper? ›

Idioms and Phrases

Quite young, as in I haven't seen him since I was knee-high to a grasshopper . This hyperbolic expression, dating from about 1850 and alluding to someone's youth, replaced the earlier knee-high to a mosquito or bumblebee or splinter .

What is the grasshopper analogy? ›

If someone called you Grasshopper, they probably are implying that you know very little about the subject currently under discussion and that they are far wiser. Very likely, it was a tongue-in-cheek comment. They're saying, “I am the master and you are the student.”

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 5965

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.