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What Are Grooks?I remember the day vividly. Diane, a friend from high school, approached me with a knowing smile on her face.
"Here", she said, holding out a small paperback book, "This is for you." Confused but intrigued, I took the little volume; a worn-out paperback titled 'Grooks - Volume 4' written by Piet Hein. A strange sense of excitement hit me as I casually flipped through its pages. "This...is different", I muttered positively under my breath while skimming through the short yet profound verses. The simplicity that oozed from each verse piqued my interest. Grooks were originally created by the Danish poet Piet Hein, (1905–1996) who wrote over 10,000 of them in both the Danish and English languages. Hein was a polymath (designer, mathematician, inventor, author, and poet), often writing under the pseudonym Kumbel, meaning ‘tombstone.’ |
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A grook, or gruk as it's known in Danish, is a specific type of brief poem that encapsulates aphoristic elements which are clear at communicating general principles and truths succinctly while remaining memorable.
By definition, an aphorism serves as a sharp and precise expression meant to convey broad truths and principles. These expressions stand the test of time by flowing from one generation to another through both oral tradition and written literature. Literary scholars suggest that the term 'gruk' isn't random but conceptualized from two Danish words; GRin which translates to laugh, and sUK meaning sigh. This implies that it's a form that prompts laughter from humor yet induces introspective contemplation. Piet Hein commented that he felt the word came to him out of thin air. Many have tried to define what a grook essentially is. Most grooks say what any one of us may think ourselves, but they put pertinent new perspectives on everyday observations, presenting the reader with small instructions in the art of living. |
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Aphoristic collections, known as wisdom literature, are prominent in Western civilization. They have had a profound impact on the canons of ancient societies, such as the works of the sutra literature of Hinduism and Buddhism, the Biblical Ecclesiastes, Islamic hadiths, the golden verses of Pythagoras, Hesiod’s Works and Days, the Delphic maxims, and Epictetus’ Handbook.
A 1559 oil–on–oak-panel painting, Netherlandish Proverbs (also called The Blue Cloak or The Topsy Turvy World) by Pieter Bruegel, the Elder, artfully depicts a land populated with literal renditions of Flemish aphorisms of the day. (How many can you identify?) Many have tried to define what a grook essentially is. Most grooks say what any one of us may think ourselves, but they put pertinent new perspectives on everyday observations, presenting the reader with small instructions in the art of living. |
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Latter-day Grooks:
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Latter-day Grooks.
Short, playful, spiritual reflections with a twist of humor, a dash of paradox, and a sprinkle of truth. Think of them as gospel one-liners that make you smile, then think, then maybe repent a little. |
Why Latter-day Grooks?
Latter-day Saints love insights. We love conference quotes, scripture gems, and the kind of truths that hit hard in just a sentence. Grooks fit right in. They’re fun, poetic little parables that invite deeper thought.
In a fast-scrolling world, short-form wisdom feels more relevant than ever. But it’s not just about cleverness—Grooks (and these Latter-day versions) are an invitation to pause, reflect, and laugh a little at ourselves.
In my first three editions titled 'Latter-day Grooks', I have made an earnest attempt to encapsulate the profound wisdom of three influential leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Russell M. Nelson, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The insights and teachings reflect the wisdom they have gathered over extensive periods leading the Church.
This series aims to not only convey their remarkable teachings but also to present it in a unique way that captures attention and invites introspection among readership – through the world-renowned Danish poetic method of Grooks.
This series aims to not only convey their remarkable teachings but also to present it in a unique way that captures attention and invites introspection among readership – through the world-renowned Danish poetic method of Grooks.
"I enjoyed this little volume of Grooks. It is a quick read and very inspiring. Wylson has a knack for packing a lot of wisdom into just a few words."
Stephen R. |
Praise for Latter-day Grooks"They're beautiful. Brevity + profundity = impact!"
Richard N. "It is amazing! My husband and I teach Sunday School...we are choosing one per lesson for [students] to take away." Karen O. "Loved these grooks...Very inspiring!" Gina S. "I love how helpful and pertinent these short little grooks are for times of trials, or just everyday life!" Nelson "If you like some fun reading that you can take in small bites, these witty and nourishing tidbits will give you good company." Charles U. "One of my very favorite authors. I wasn’t familiar with Grooks until reading this series. Inspirational easy reading. I keep it on my nightstand." Gina |
