* Zen Buddhism: The phrase has a strong connection to Zen Buddhism. The "grasshopper" represents a student or beginner, and the "wise use" refers to the teachings and insights of a master. Zen emphasizes mindful living and harnessing one's potential.
* Kung Fu Movies: The phrase gained significant popularity through martial arts movies, especially Kung Fu films. These films often feature a wise master training a young student, frequently using the term "grasshopper" as an endearing way to address the student.
* Folklore and Storytelling: The trope of a wise elder imparting knowledge to a young apprentice is common in folklore and storytelling across cultures. This narrative structure likely contributed to the phrase's wide appeal and usage.
While there's no definitive source, the phrase's popularity stems from its combination of Zen philosophy, martial arts imagery, and universal storytelling themes. It represents the idea of learning from experience, using one's knowledge thoughtfully, and constantly striving for self-improvement.