Think Big

Think Big presents Dr. Ben Carson's philosophy for achieving success and realizing one's potential. The renowned neurosurgeon shares his principles through personal stories from his career in medicine and his journey from inner-city Detroit to becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Carson outlines eight core principles represented by the acronym "THINK BIG," which includes elements like talent, honesty, insight, knowledge, books, in-depth learning, and God. He connects these principles to real-world examples from his medical practice and life experiences, demonstrating their practical application. The book incorporates stories of Carson's most challenging surgical cases and professional obstacles alongside accounts of his childhood, education, and family life. Through these parallel narratives, he illustrates how his core principles guided both his personal development and professional achievements. The work transcends the typical success manual format by emphasizing the intersection of individual effort, faith, and service to others. Its themes of perseverance and intellectual growth are grounded in Carson's belief that every person has the capacity to overcome circumstances and make meaningful contributions to society.

Readers describe Think Big as a motivational book that shares Carson's personal principles for success through anecdotes and life lessons. Many note its accessibility and clear writing style. What readers liked: - Practical advice that can be applied immediately - Carson's humble tone and authenticity - The "THINK BIG" acronym as an easy-to-remember framework - Focus on education, reading, and personal responsibility What readers disliked: - Some found it repetitive of Carson's other books - Religious references felt heavy-handed to non-religious readers - Several readers wanted more specific action steps - Some sections read like political positioning Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "The book provides good life lessons but doesn't offer enough concrete strategies. It's more inspirational than instructional." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Ben Carson wrote this book while serving as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States at age 33. 🔹 The book's principles are based on "THINK BIG" - an acronym Carson developed: Talent, Honesty, Insight, Nice, Knowledge, Books, In-Depth Learning, and God. 🔹 Carson credits his mother's insistence that he read two books per week and write book reports (despite her own inability to read) as a crucial factor in his success story, which he shares in this book. 🔹 This book was published in 1992, five years after Carson successfully separated conjoined twins Patrick and Benjamin Binder, who were joined at the back of the head - a groundbreaking 22-hour surgery. 🔹 Carson's journey from struggling inner-city Detroit student to Yale graduate and renowned neurosurgeon inspired the 2009 film "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," starring Cuba Gooding Jr.