Think Big Repaired)

Think BigUnleashing your

Potential for excellence

Ben Carson MDReviewed by Onyemenam T.C.

T.H.I.N.K B.I.G. – Ben Carson M.D

Think Big, written by Dr. Ben Carson, is a book of two parts, each containing 9 chapters that are all centered on one theme – Inspiration for success. In this book, Dr. Ben Carson reveals his secrets of success and coins them under the famous acronym

T = Talent

H = Honesty

I = Insight

N = Nice

K = Knowledge

B = Books

I = In-depth Knowledge

G = God

He exposes the relationship between this abbreviation (i.e. T.H.I.N.K B.I.G) with reality, a he shows, how they practically apply to his attained excellence, he draws most of his illustrations from the events that occur in his work place.


Chapter #1:

DO IT BETTER

This chapter is actually based on the role of a mother in the success of a child, as the Bible says

‘’train up a child in the way he should go..’’

The duty of reforming the way Ben responded to the education he was priviledged to get, and further ensuring that he improved in this education rested on the role his mother, Sonya, was willing to play. But after reaching her wits end, in all effort to step up the disgraceful nature of Ben’s grade, she resulted into seeking the will and mind of God. This goes a long way to show, something that I feel that was submerged in all the message, that the way to do it better is the way God has pre-destined*, and, in God holds every secret and every unique role, a parent can play in training up their child in every aspect of life.

With one instruction from God to Sonya, concerning her children’s academic, the academic lives of the Carsons. The circumstances surrounding the revelation of this instruction, is also worth noting, but would be left out in this review. After receiving the instruction from God – which was to read and review at least 2 books weekly – Sonya Carson immediately started acting on it, and in no time, the Carsons’ started doing it better. In terms of their education.

Following the improvements in the academics of Ben Carson, he had other factors, wars and struggles to overcome, most of which were as a result of childhood traumas and his newly attained success. These struggles include:

1. Overbearing and Obnoxiousness: This followed his incredible rise, from the least to the best, and this was his petty way of revenging and proving to everyone that he was not dumb, as they earlier thought, but was smart, and in fact, smarter than they were. Following an encounter with Bob, his classmate, he was forced to re-think and mildly re-adjust this unconscious attitude he was revealing, as he grew, he grew realizing the stance of God to this new alien attitude, and this helped his re-adjustment. But, not until he entered Yale University did a significant attitude re-adjustment occur, as he was in the midst of students as smart as he was.

2. Anger Control: Probably due to the divorce of his parents at a tender age of 8, Ben developed a hot temper, which seem dangerous until he almost killed his friend, Bob, with a camping knife. Soon after that, he knew that this attitude must be mastered, and he found this perfect mastering skills from the Bible, this was how he further fell in love with the Bible, and with the book of Proverbs.


3. Pride: With the nature of his profession, Ben Carson reveals that his regularly tempted with the sin of Pride, and is regularly and consciously winning this battle of Pride.

Lesson: The role of a mother in the success of her children cannot be over-emphasized, but without the leading of God’s unique instruction, these efforts are in vain and amount to little.

There are wars and battle to be fought – both physically, emotionally and spiritually – as one does things better, it’s the outcome of these wars that determines the duration of this new great path.

Chapter #2:

My mother, Sonya Carson


Having this chapter dedicated to the revelation of the life, struggles, victories and the trials of Sonya Carson, his mother, Ben Carson tells the story of his young life, from his mother’s perspective (amongst other issues) and tries to not only encourage but to inspire women of all status (especially the single parents) that it is possible to raise a great Child, irrespective of your past and present state.

The Chapter starts with Sonya revealing the bitter experiences she had to go through in her childhood, all due to her orphan status. She faced challenges from her siblings in every foster home she stayed at, because she was different, and as these challenges grew she was forced to adapt and be able to ignore the comments of people about her, this ability which proved essential in her marriage and raising of her children.

After being carried away, by her long-admired-Baptist-minister, Robert Carson, Sonya began living a totally different life – a life of acceptance, affection and laziness, all which have been alien to her, all her life.

The lifestyle, the after-service-parties, the immoral associations of Robert Carson were easily taken in by Sonya, as she wanted to be found as a good wife, she had earlier taken Christianity seriously (but even more seriously, her husband), but was forced to re-think, after an ugly incident with Robert Carson’s friend under Robert’s permission, after that, Christianity became just another religion to her.

Following years of purposeful childlessness on the part of Robert Carson, Sonya felt alone in the midst of this extravagant lifestyle Robert Carson brought her into. After much persuasion, Robert Carson finally gave in to the thought of children, first came Curtis, in 1949, then came Benjamin Carson, in 1951. Things seemed perfect for Sonya, until she discovered the secret behind Robert’s seemingly-never-ending funds, and worse, the secret marriage Robert had. But in all these, she never revealed these events to her children*, but these event derail her mental, psychological and social welfare, until she couldn’t take any more. With no proper divorce protocols done, Sonya left with her children, to Boston, where her sister, Jean Avery, lived.

As the challenges grew, the pressure were surmounted, pressure for school funds (as those she earlier saved were illegally withdrawn by Robert’s first wife), pressure for welfare etc, a point reached were she felt and attempted suicide, that was the turning point for her – that was the day, she died to the pressures and was reborn into a God-led life, thanks to Mary Thomas, the faithful Evangelist wouldn’t give up on her.

Following to whole incident, the fire and life in Christianity was awakened in her Spirit, she bgan taking Christianity, and God very seriously – by taking them in reality* – she learned to trust and to be fully dependent on God, after that event.

Sonya then begins to tell the story of how she felt and got her children to improve on their grades, she ascribes this academic victory to the revelation she got from God. Her prayer, as given, was

“God, You’re my partner and friend, I don’t know what to do about Curtis and Ben, They are both failing everything…..”


She also reveals the subsequent intensive steps she took to improve the grades of Children, which all involves her getting involved in their academics, giving seemingly impossible tasks and constantly reminding them of the role their individual relationship with God plays in their success.

Discipline:

The method adopted by Sonya, in the disciplining of her children was talking and reasoning with them, this was how she disciplined her children.

Lesson:

The past can be bad, the present, worse, but involve God, and the future would be the Best.

Chapter #3

Mentors, Inspirers and Influencers

“There’s no such person as a self-made person*…”


- Ben CarsonBen Carson dedicates this Chapter to the acknowledgement of the special people – right from his

moment of change (i.e his fifth grade) down to his present accomplishments and achievements, Ben Carson reveals the people behind the scene who made him who he is.

William Jaeck:

Occupation: Fifth Grade Science TeacherImpact: Was the first teacher to notice and expose the special scientific abilities of Ben. He helped enhance, excite and stimulate these abilities, by involving Ben in interesting tasks e.g. their rock collections. He introduced Ben into the world of Science and helped him grow; he was the first mentor Ben had.

Frank McCotter

Occupation: High School Biology TeacherImpact: He believed in Ben and believed that he had a great innate ability, and he sought opportunities to reinforce and expose these abilities. He helped build up the self-esteem of Ben and not only involved him at the slightest opportunity but also began a rich source of guidance and support to the development of Ben. Ben’s second mentor.

Lemuel Doakes

Occupation: Band DirectorImpact: With his qualities and zeal, he easily inspired all other students into action and success. Being hardworking, he taught Ben the fruits of hard work. He helped Ben focus on what was really important: the right instrument for him, and, his science-related future by refusing his entry into the prestigious Interlochen Music Camp scholarship program, with this, Ben was able to focus on his science-inclined future.

“so if it is not perfect, it’s not good enough” – Lemuel Doakes.

Aubrey Tompkins

Occupation: Music Director of the Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchImpact: He, alongside the rest of the choir of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, became the family Ben had while away from home, in Yale University. He had a genuine interest in the general welfare of Ben, and was always there whenever Ben needed someone to talk to.


Chapter #4Medical Mentors

This chapter reveals the list and ways few people motivated and pushed Ben into doing his best, in various special ways.

Dr. James Taren

Occupation: A Dean in the University of MichiganImpact: He excited the thought and interest of diversity-in-course in Ben, through his eloquent presentations. With various real-life illustrations, Ben was inspire to think outside-the-box and to be further interest in other unorthodox methods of treatment. He inspired Ben, into doing the unknown. He also, indirectly, helped Ben in


settling for Neurosurgery – as he was earlier confused on which field to settle in. He exerted a kind of referent power over Ben, which not only captivated him, but helped reinforce his stance in the Neurosurgery field.

George Udvarhelyi

Occupation: Head of John Hopkins’ Training Program, Professor of Neosurgery (RTD), and Director of Cultural Affairs for the Hopkins Medical Center.Impact: He introduced an interest in the patient in Ben, which helped his worked. He developed the humanitarian aspect of work to Ben, he served as the complement of the whole Medical study of Ben and the other residents, as they all had received noteworthy medical trainings but were in lack of patient-affection. He also served as the reason for the enrollment of Ben in the John Hopkins Medical Institution – through his recommendation.

Jim Anderson Ph.D.

Occupation: Radiology LecturerImpact: With a vast network of ever-inspiring medical authorities, he served as the best encouragement of Ben, during his Laboratory project experience. Being genuinely interested in the authencity and the outstanding nature of the laboratory projects, upon which Ben was working on, he was ever ready to listen, direct and to introduce Ben, to any medical` authority who would prove helpful to the project. His integrity also inspired Ben. He also introduce Ben to more effective and efficient methods of medical procedures, this instilled the joy for investigative medicine in Ben.

Bryant Stokes - Australia

Occupation: Senior Neurosurgeon, PerthImpact: He had a strong sense for perfection and further inspired Ben to search for various ways in which he can do his best, he was an expert in effective and efficient ways of performing medical procedures and was very much able to teach these procedures. His competence and pressure rubbed off on Ben.

Richard Vaughan - Australia

Occupation: Senior Medical Doctor, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, AustraliaImpact: He inspired a daring and dogged nature in Ben, as, he was ever ready to handle the seemingly hopeless cases presented to him. He inspired medical courage in Ben, therefore further developing and reinforcing his passion for investigative medicine.

Michael Lee – Australia


Occupation: NeurosurgeonImpact: Taught Ben, the various methods of approaching the temporal lobe

Wayne Thomas – Australia

Occupation: NeurosurgeonImpact: He revealed to Ben, how to effortlessly and flawlessly pass needles through the ventricles at their localized spots.

Donling Long

Occupation: Chief of Pediatric NeosurgeryImpact: He was the true medical mentor of Ben, he personally took care of inevitable prejudice Ben was to face in his job in Hopkins, and out rightly addressed the situation effectively, and his support and fairness encouraged the self-confidence of Ben, and helped him in his procedures

Lesson: Be Nice To All people

-All people-Even when you don’t have to be.

Everybody is important.


Chapter #5Other Significant People

Ben Carson dedicates this chapter, complimenting on people ho have shared in inspiring him, one way or the other, due to their various working attitudes. He doesn’t refer ti them as mentors as he didn’t work under their guidance, but, however, is still challenged by them, as he works with them*.

Some of these inspirations includes – the doggedness in task completion of Mike Johns (the then Head of Otolaryngology), the intensive study and the extensive willingness to teach and be properly understood, and the his remarkable goodwill which Mark Rogers frequently displayed (the Chairman of Anesthesiology), The courage and abilities of Art Wong (Chief Resident), and the creativity of Al Johnson (An Entrepreneur).

Lesson: Everybody is important, and here is something, that can be learnt, from the lifestyle and habits of other people. Life, has various methods of teaching us, we just have to discover the various methods of Learning*.


Chapter #6Builders for Eternity

This chaper is yet another, dedicated in celebrating people – people who make each day run smoothly and successfully, at the John Hopkin Medical Center- these group of people, fall under the group of the special people, but are more related to effective daily functioning of the whole Institution. Such people (the builders) includes

Georgia SimpsonWho has the rare ability to communicate with and effectively soothe the attitude most patients reveal at the

reception. She represents and maintains an excellent social and medical status of the John Hopkins Institution.

Pat BrothersThe unique secretary, she easily stepped up the state and nature of Ben’s Office, not only making the clients

at home, or keeping them up to date, but also, was more like Georgia Simpson, but now, as Ben’s Secretary.

Carol James (Physician’s Assistant)Her people-centered nature makes her genuinely interested in the welfare of Ben, thus, making his working

condition more encouraging. She is an accurate representative of Ben, and mostly is the source person during the events of article writing by Ben. She, alongside Pat Brothers defend Ben and his working events.

Mary Kay Conover (NP)


Aside from her deep interest in learning and understanding her field, Mary also sets an example of discipline, hard work and excellence, which greatly supports the further work of Ben.

Carolyn ChildsHer dedication and participation in the Binder Twins operations proved invaluable as, she acted as the chief

force that worked on the success of the operation. Being the Neurosurgery OR Head Nurse, she participated in the completion of the essential manuals for other OR Nurses who would be involved in the operation. The extensive nature of Childs participation indeed is invaluable.

Lesson: Learn to appreciate the people behind the scene, as without them, there would be no scene.

Chapter #7Parents and Patients

Ben speaks on the 2 different families (amongst others) that he had a bond to and connected with them, in a sharing and caring relationship. Even though the operational results of these 2 families were totally different, a relationship (doctor-parent-patient relationship) was developed, all which challenged him in different ways – at one point, in his relationship with God.

Lesson: “The man in bed isn’t “just a patient”, but a human being, with a life

Outside of the hospital” - George Udvarhelyi


Chapter #8Taking Risks

Ben gives various practical illustrations of the product of thinking Big and putting one’s best into medical attention, amongst al is the remarkable case of David Troutman, whose courage and optimism alongside the various risky operations, proved positive, to his seemingly hopeless condition. This chapter goes a long way of identifying the importance of risk-taking, in the event of doing one’s best and T.H.I.N.KING B.I.G.

Lesson: Risks are the spice of success.


Chapter #9Not Enough

“If I shot at the Sun, I might land on the Moon.”

- P.T. Barnum

Ben illustratively goes through operations, specifically the Pressman’s operation, that force him into recognizing the essential involvement of God in the healing of patients. Ben, shows that the efforts of man is not enough to attain success, but, the inclusion of God makes it enough.

Lesson: Its never enough nor better, until God, is involved*.


Part

2

You can Give Your Best

And

Think Big

Ben starts this part and dedicates this part to discussing the practical illustration of the THINK BIG formula.


Chapter #10

Thinking Big

This chapter begins the THINK BIG study series, and, not only bears the origin of this formula, but also intensively studies the first acronym.

Following the operation on the teenager, Tony, the role of Positive Mental Attitude, and other positive mindset supports, was reinforced in Ben. Following the incident, Ben tried to describe his formula for success under the famous statement – Think Big- that was when, he came up with this acrostic

T- Talent

H – Honesty

I – Insight

N – Nice

K – Knowledge

B – Books

I – In-depth Knowledge

G – God

T – TALENT

Following a discussion with A.G Gaston, the author of Green Power, Ben found that just having a talent, was not enough but discovering and developing talents is what makes it actually useful to others and beneficial to you. Ben also reveals the futility of talent possession if it is without a corresponding ability to invest time in, with practical examples, Ben discusses various situations where he taught and revealed the essence of talent discovery and enhancement, in youths.


Lesson: Talent is not enough, development and time makes it better and useful*.

Chapter #11

Honesty Shows

The fruits of honesty and the need for honesty in the success of a man, is thoroughly discussed here, and Ben reveals examples and consequences of both honest and dishonest people. He points out at various hidden and infamous futuristic consequences that dishonest people face, and strongly condemns dishonesty in a path of success – he also draws further support, from the Bible.

Lesson: Dishonesty and true success* do not go together.


CHAPTER #12

Insightful Thoughts

Ben bases on the 3rd acrostic – I – which stands for insight. Ben reveals that, having an insight is not only limited to one magical moment of inspiration/saturation, but actually, can be a nature nurtured and developed. Further explaining the term Insight, he gives 4 ways through which insight enters and is developed in a person (given from a doctor point-of-view)( – all are paraphrased)

- Listening to those who have achieved feats and believing they can do likewise- Understanding that achievements are not selective in nature, but can happen to every person.- Taking advantage of every opportunity from which a source can teach us something new/unheard of.- Learning from the mistakes and achievements of others.

These are his concise version of the form insight takes

Lesson: Insight is a product of knowledge and a developed nature, and not a magical moment*.


Chapter #13

Nice Guys Finish

Ben groups the term, Nice, into various meanings, which help portray the real nature and importance of being nice.

Nice

Ben gives series of nice people who go against the old saying – nice guys finish last – among this examples are the already discussed Dr. Donling Long, Dr. Mike Johns etc. At the end of the analysis, Ben reaches a conclusion – being nice always comes back to repay us, in the long run.

Lesson: If we are nice to people, others respond to us in the same way, and thus, we a successfully give our best to each other.


GentleAgreeablePleasantHelpfulConsiderateThoughtful

Chapter #14

Knowledge Counts

K – Knowledge

Ben attacks the famous misconception that the brain can be overloaded, thus, re-inspiring the need to know more. He also explains that the brain retains everything, but, due to our random nature of storing bits of information to events of especially little significance, we often get confused.

Ben, gives 4 reasons why he believes that knowledge is power, because

- It helps overcome the past- Helps change our situation- Helps fight new obstacles- Helps make better decisions

In all, wisdom is actually the power, as, it is the application of knowledge, and in all these reasons, knowledge was always being applied.

Lesson: Knowledge in the form of Wisdom, is power.


Chapter #15

Books are for Reading

Ben places emphasis on the role of books in success. He connects it, in this chapter, to the source of knowledge needed for various events. He gives 3 reasons for reading (page 218), and descriptively exposes the profits of reading in this chapter.

Lesson: “Is we commit ourselves to reading…. Only God can limit where we would go” – Ben Carson M.D.


Chapter #16

In-depth Learning

Ben gives a real life fatal situation, which is positively handled, as a result of an earlier in-depth learning or in-between the line study on his part. This proves to him that some cases can be solved by learning some, by Insight and others by In-depth Learning. He also discovers that giving our possible best lies in the form of our learning.

Lesson: “Our limit is the limit of how much of something we really know” – Chinodebem Onyemenam.


Chapter #17

Caution – God At Work

With various situation and events where Ben had reached his wits end, he falls back on God and discovers 2 aspects of God:

- God cares about every area of our life, and,- God wants us to ask for help.

Ben recalls several situations where the intervention of God was real and was the only factor that brought success to the operations, with this in mind, he learns to consistently lean on the guidance of God, and therefore, not accrediting any form of operational success to himself, this way, he remains humble and God-confident. He also prescribes a 3 nugget formula for humility, as, recognizing that:

- God created the Universe.- God shows that He is more powerful than us, by what He does, and has done in our world.- God gave us the abilities, of which we cannot supply to ourselves or either, explain the worthiness of.

Ben also gives 3 different people (Wintley Phipps, George Vanderman and Robert Schuller) whose lives have inspired his Christian walk with God, most of whom he had had an earlier encounter with.

Lesson: “If we acknowledge or need for God, He will help us” – Ben Carson M.D.


Chapter #18

Reaching For Success

Ben reveals, in this 8-paged chapter, the true meaning of success, as the continuous improvement of a person, and the ability to replicate what one has. All these are his views on the concept of success. He also give other factors and qualities that are involved in reaching for success, such factors as – Courage, determination and zeal. He also highlights the role of discipline in reaching for success, as he illustratively discusses them, in this chapter of the book.

Lesson:

“God expects us to do our best in every situation” – Ben Carson M.D.

Therefore, these laws stated, must be observed as we reach for success in everything we do.


Documents

Think Big Repaired)