“One of the most helpful things that any body can learn is to give up trying to catch the last eighth - or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world.”

“I'm the only kid in the world who doesn't want an eighth Harry Potter book.”

Daniel Radcliffe (1989) English actor

“The two important things that I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision.”

Robyn Davidson (1950) Australian writer

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it… he who doesn't… pays it.”

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born physicist and founder of the theory of relativity

“Your first question must always be: what is the most difficult part of this problem that I am trying to solve and then try and solve that. If you can't solve the most difficult bit, give up! Seek advice, find somebody who can solve it!”

Joe Armstrong (1950–2019) British computer scientist

“One of the most difficult things in the world is to learn to take a hint easily.”

E. W. Howe (1853–1937) Novelist, magazine and newspaper editor

“Wherever you are, whenever it is, never give up. Then, it will be the most "charming" thing in the world.”

Ritsuko Okazaki (1959–2004) Japanese singer

“The two things I enjoy the most about writing are the first page of a book and the last. What's in between is very hard work.”

Rachel Gibson (1961) American writer

“…as I grew up, we spent a lot of time learning things about the world that most youngsters in cities don’t learn these days.”

Clair Cameron Patterson (1922–1995) American chemist and geochemist

“The most precious thing that people can give to one another is time.”

Newton Lee American computer scientist