Even though arguably I could have done much better at school, I'd decided at a young age that I was going to be a professional sportsman at some sport. And at that stage, there was a bit of luck: I was fortunate to meet the right people at the right time to get me to where I am now. Greg Rutherford agearguablybite share on social
Every time I want to impress someone about samples and hip-hop, I play 'Portrait of Tracy.' It's one of the greatest bass players ever doing a whole composition with only the two harmonics of electric bass; then a three-second loop in it became every great R&B song in five-year intervals. Diplo bascompositionelectric share on social
There are thus great swathes of the past where understanding is more important and reputable than judgement, because the principal actors performed in line with the ideas and values of that time, not of ours. Douglas Hurd actorgreatidea share on social
I always wanted to play some kind of instrument - piano, saxophone, whatever. I took it up for a while, then forgot about it because I didn't have the time. Mads Mikkelsen forgetinstrumentkind Change image and share on social
I haven't been approached to do anything, but I would certainly make room for it. It was a really fun time. Kathy Valentine approachfunmake Change image and share on social
At the time, when you're being dissected and judged it's pretty brutal, but in hindsight it's great and - it sounds cliched - you do come out the other side better and stronger. Kate Bosworth brutalclichdissect Change image and share on social
One of the first coaches I worked with on the national team told me that I was too skinny, too puny, and had no natural acceleration. He said I'd be better off looking for another facet of sport to follow. That was a really, really bad moment. For a long time, I felt as if my dad was the only one who had faith in me. Victoria Pendleton accelerationbadcoach share on social
A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is last year. Marty Allen buyeconomicsreveal Change image and share on social
A well known director wouldn't take the chance on casting me for an American role after he discovered that I was English. Some time later, he expressed his regret that he hadn't taken the chance with me. Marsha Thomason americancastchance share on social
Homesickness is nothing. Fifty percent of the people in the world are homesick all the time. John Cheever fiftyhomesickhomesickness Change image and share on social