Grok Definition

What Does “Grok” Mean and Where Does It Come From?

grok /grɒk/

–verb (used with object)
1. to understand intimately and intuitively

–verb (used without object)
2. to communicate sympathetically

Robert Heinlein coined the word “grok” in his 1961 sci-fi novel Stranger in a Strange Land.

"Take this word: 'grok.' Its literal meaning, one which I think goes back to the origin of the Martian race as thinking creatures ... is easy. 'Grok' means 'to drink."

"Huh?" said Jubal. "Mike never says 'grok' when he's just talking about drinking."...

"'Grok' means 'identically equal.' The human cliche. 'This hurts me worse than it does you' has a Martian flavor. The Martians seem to know instinctively what we learned painfully from modern physics, that observer interacts with observed through the process of observation. 'Grok' means to understand so thoroughly that the observer becomes part of the observed--to merge, blend, intermarry, lose identity in group experience."

-- from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Why We Chose 'Grok'

We've chosen "grok" for the title of our blog from Dr. Bill Chameides, the dean of Duke University’s environmental school and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, because we are inviting curious minds to explore the values of being "green." We also want to convey that the blog is meant to be fun.

Why The Green Grok?

As a species we are pursuing an unsustainable course. While world populations are rising and consumption is increasing, resources are diminishing. At the same time global warming is threatening our natural, industrial and social infrastructures. We must find a more sustainable path. An important first step is understanding — or grokking. Before deciding what to do about the environment we all need to understand what is happening and why, and what options can secure a more sustainable future.

People also need to know what scientists agree about and what they don’t. Unfortunately, all too often, when scientists discuss science, things get too dense too soon, and people tune out.

That’s where The Green Grok comes in. Dr. Bill Chameides, a distinguished scientist with a flair for making science accessible and fun, has created a blog to spark lively discussions about environmental science.

Whether you’re interested in climate change and energy, the health and vitality of ecosystems and oceans, or human health and the environment, Chameides and The Green Grok will keep you in the know on what the scientific world is discovering and how it affects you — all in plain language and, hopefully, with a bit of fun.

Your Green Grok. The Green Grok is meant to be a conversation among green-minded knowledge-seekers of all stripes who strive to better grasp our environment. Like our natural ecosystem, our digital ecosystem thrives on diversity. So tell us what's on your mind — by joining the discussion online or e-mailing us at yourgrok at thegreengrok dot com. After all, grokking is power.

Meet The Green Grok Team »