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7 Pieces of Life Advice Geniuses Tell Their Kids

These brilliant men and women have revolutionized science, medicine, and our understanding of the cosmos. But what do they tell their kids before bedtime?

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Stephen Hawking on the most important thing in life

“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.” —Stephen Hawking, sharing his favorite life advice for his three children

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Albert Einstein on the best way to learn something new

“Play the things on the piano which please you, even if the teacher does not assign those. That is the way to learn the most, that when you are doing something with such enjoyment that you don’t notice that the time passes.” —Albert Einstein in a heartwarming letter to his son, Hans Albert. You’ll want to read these happiness quotes over and over again

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Marie Curie on the power of confidence

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” —Marie Curie, quoted by her daughter, Éve, in Madame Curie: A Biography.

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Bill Nye on the #1 thing to remember about other people

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t. Auto mechanics today write code and debug software. Cooks understand the use of copper to control egg proteins. Bricklayers have intimate knowledge of the strength of materials. Respect their knowledge. Learn from them. It will bring out the best in both of you.” —Bill Nye, in a Rutgers University commencement speech

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Neil deGrasse Tyson on dealing with obstacles

“I have colleagues with dyslexia. It’s a hurdle—but in the Olympics, what do you do when you come to a hurdle? You jump over it.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson, responding to an eight-year-old girl concerned that her dyslexia could prevent a career in science. These uplifting quotes will stay with you

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E.O. Wilson’s challenge to the next generation

“Keep your eyes lifted and your head turning. The search for knowledge is in our genes. It was put there by our distant ancestors who spread across the world, and it’s never going to be quenched.” —Biologist E.O. Wilson, in a TED talk to young scientists

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Ben Franklin on keeping your #squad happy

“The more attentively dutiful and tender you are towards your good mama, the more you will recommend yourself to me.” —Benjamin Franklin, advising his daughter on good behavior. Now, read through these inspirational quotes to get you through the day

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest