(Guest Post by Matthew Ladner)
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in every thing.
As You Like It Act 2, scene 1, 12–17
Lance Izumi helpfully suggests a way forward for Republicans on education policy in the New York Times Education Watch Blog.
Jay P. Greene's Blog 
[…] Sermons in stones, and good in every thing. As You Like It Act 2, scene 1, 12–17. Lance Izumi helpfully suggests a way forward for Republicans on education policy in the New York Times Education Watch Blog. More […]
[…] Izumi on the Republicans and Education Sermons in stones, and good in every thing. As You Like It Act 2, scene 1, 12–17. Lance Izumi helpfully suggests a way forward for Republicans on education policy in the New York Times Education Watch Blog. […]
I do love me some Shakespeare. But in this case, this quote may be more appropriate than intended. I think it was a common myth during Shakespeare’s time that you really could find a jewel in a toad’s head. It is interesting to wonder whether or not Willy knew this to be a myth when he wrote it. He was clever enough to know it and still say it, that’s for sure.
So why did I say it might still be appropriate? I am just hoping this jewel finding expedition into the wilderness doesn’t involve a journey to Alaska.