Ben Carson is a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon who transitioned into the political realm as a 2016 presidential candidate. Raised by a single mother in Detroit, he overcame considerable odds to enjoy a successful medical career and became a best-selling author. Carson’s books offer a unique blend of his life story, personal insights on various topics, and political commentary, reflecting his journey and expertise across multiple fields.
One of Carson’s most well-known works is “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” an inspirational autobiography that details his journey from his challenging childhood in inner-city Detroit to his celebrated career as a pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Other notable titles include “A More Perfect Union: What We the People Can Do to Reclaim Our Constitutional Liberties,” “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great,” and “One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future.”
As a prolific author, Ben Carson has made a significant impact on both the medical and political spheres through his books. Readers can gain valuable insights into his mindset, experiences, and views on important issues, providing them an opportunity to learn from his successes and challenges.
Early Life and Career
Detroit Childhood
Ben Carson was born on September 15, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan. He and his brother, Curtis, were raised by their single mother, Sonya, since he was eight years old. After their father left, they moved to Boston to live with Sonya’s sister, and then moved back to Detroit.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Carson went on to become a renowned neurosurgeon and became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During his time at the hospital, he performed the first successful separation of conjoined twins who were attached at the back of the head. Ben Carson was also elected into the National Academy of Medicine in 2010. Throughout his career, he has written or co-written six bestselling books.
Iconic Memoirs
Gifted Hands
One of Ben Carson’s most iconic memoirs is “Gifted Hands,” which tells the remarkable story of his life and career as a renowned neurosurgeon. The book, co-authored with Cecil Murphey, delves into Ben Carson’s experiences, overcoming various challenges and barriers in his journey to become one of the most celebrated doctors in his field.
Gifted Hands has received numerous positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads, where it stands out as one of his most popular works. The autobiography provides readers with an engaging narrative, showcasing how determination and commitment can lead to success even when faced with adversity.
My Life: Based on the Book Gifted Hands
Another noteworthy memoir by Ben Carson is “My Life: Based on the Book Gifted Hands.” This book offers a more personal look into Dr. Carson’s life, focusing on his philosophies and views on topics such as service to the country, becoming a role model, and using one’s God-given talents. The memoir emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief in achieving one’s goals.
“My Life“ serves as an extension of “Gifted Hands“, providing a deeper understanding of Dr. Ben Carson’s perspectives and experiences in both his career and personal life. This non-fiction work has garnered positive reviews and is considered a valuable addition to Ben Carson’s collection of memoirs.
Through these iconic memoirs, Ben Carson has shared his life experiences and offered insight into his success as a leading neurosurgeon. “Gifted Hands“ and “My Life“ are inspiring examples of how dedication and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
Inspirational Books
Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence
In “Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence,” Ben Carson shares valuable insights about reaching one’s potential. Drawing from his experiences as a successful pediatric neurosurgeon, he offers encouragement to those facing obstacles and aiming to overcome failure. The book focuses on the power of positive thinking, coupled with hard work and determination, to unleash one’s innate potential.
The central theme of “Think Big” revolves around the concept of self-help and personal growth. Carson emphasizes the importance of developing a strong work ethic, setting goals, and nurturing a mindset of resilience in the face of setbacks. The message is clear and confident, providing readers with a sense of hope and inspiration to challenge themselves and reach for their dreams.
You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G
In “You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G,” Ben Carson targets a younger audience, aiming to provide guidance for teenagers as they navigate through challenges and obstacles in their lives. This book serves as an extension of the principles discussed in “Think Big,” but focuses on a more specific audience and uses relatable anecdotes to convey its core messages.
The T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. acronym, which stands for Talent, Honesty, Insight, Nice, Knowledge, Books, In-Depth Learning, and God, represents the key values and principles that Carson believes are essential for achieving success. He shares his own experiences, along with the experiences of others, to highlight the importance of these values in overcoming adversity.
Both “Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence” and “You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G” offer sound advice and practical tips from a knowledgeable and neutral standpoint. Ben Carson’s inspirational books provide readers with a clear and concise roadmap for personal development and overcoming obstacles, to ultimately achieve their fullest potential.
Books on Risk and Choice
Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk
In “Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk,” renowned neurosurgeon and author Ben Carson, M.D., along with co-author Gregg Lewis, provides readers with valuable insights on understanding and managing risk in everyday life. This book dives into the importance of being able to make confident choices while navigating the uncertainty and potential hurdles that may arise.
The authors aim to educate readers on the difference between real and perceived risk. They believe that in order to lead a fulfilling life, one must learn to embrace and accept a certain level of risk. Throughout the book, Dr. Carson shares personal anecdotes and experiences, showcasing how he has faced and overcome various challenges.
Some key topics covered in the book include:
- The definition and meaning of risk
- The role of fear in shaping our choices
- Strategies for evaluating and mitigating risks
- Examples of acceptable and unacceptable risks
In addition to these topics, “Take the Risk” provides practical advice and guidance for readers to assess their own risk tolerance and make more informed decisions. Dr. Carson emphasizes the idea that by learning to live with acceptable risk, individuals can build resilience and ultimately achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.
“Take the Risk” demonstrates an understanding that not all risks are created equal, and some – when approached carefully and thoughtfully – can lead to growth and self-improvement. With a clear and confident tone, Dr. Ben Carson’s book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to better understand the role of risk and choice in their lives.
Political Thoughts
America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great
In “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great,” Dr. Ben Carson shares his views on what has made America exceptional throughout history. He reflects on his journey through 60 years of life and explores the freedoms that enable anyone to achieve their dreams in this nation. Carson emphasizes that although America has faced numerous challenges, it remains a land of opportunities and unlimited potential. He suggests that appreciating and preserving these values is critical for the future success of the country.
One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future
Dr. Ben Carson’s book “One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future” is a call to action for American citizens to be proactive and take responsibility for the country’s future. The book outlines a structure for political revival and emphasizes the importance of unity across the nation. Carson argues that the key to overcoming obstacles in America’s future lies in overcoming partisan differences and working together to address key issues such as education, healthcare, and national security.
A More Perfect Union: What We the People Can Do to Reclaim Our Constitutional Liberties
“A More Perfect Union: What We the People Can Do to Reclaim Our Constitutional Liberties” goes deeper into the realm of American politics, focusing on the Constitution and its relevance in contemporary society. In this book, Carson emphasizes the importance of reacquainting oneself with the Constitution and understanding the liberties it provides. He argues that by understanding and appreciating the principles enshrined in this foundational document, American citizens can work toward reclaiming their constitutional rights and, ultimately, ensuring the preservation of essential liberties for future generations.
Spiritual and Philosophical Convictions
Throughout his career, Ben Carson has been open about the influence of his Christian faith on his life and work. As a neurosurgeon, author, and political figure, he often cites God’s guidance in his decisions and relies upon his faith to navigate challenges and obstacles. His spiritual and philosophical convictions have played a significant role in shaping his approach to life.
In his books, Carson regularly discusses the importance of Christian principles in his personal and professional journey. For instance, in “The Big Picture,” he explores the spiritual and philosophical foundations that underpin not only his medical career but also his perspective on various aspects of life. By sharing his experiences and insights, he aims to demonstrate how faith can inform one’s decisions, provide strength during difficult times, and help cultivate universal values.
Dr. Carson believes that faith in God is an essential component of living a successful and meaningful life. Moreover, his books emphasize the importance of adhering to moral and ethical principles, which he sees as universal to different faiths and cultures. For example, in “Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence,” he shares practical advice for living a fulfilling life, grounded in the conviction that faith in God and adherence to moral values can help individuals reach their full potential.
Furthermore, Ben Carson’s deeply rooted faith has guided his values and principles, which often intersect with his political views. Though he acknowledges that not everyone may share the same beliefs, Carson maintains that certain core principles within Christianity can be applicable to people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. This is evident in his book, “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great,” where he highlights the importance of the country’s foundational Judeo-Christian values and urges readers to rediscover those foundations.
In summary, Dr. Ben Carson’s spiritual and philosophical convictions, grounded in Christianity, profoundly influenced his life and work. With his faith as a guiding force, he seeks to elucidate universal principles that transcend cultural and religious boundaries, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and morals to lead a successful, meaningful life.
Notable Achievements and Honors
Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, and political figure, has made significant accomplishments in his career. One of his most groundbreaking achievements was the first successful separation of conjoined twins who were attached at the back of the head. This remarkable feat garnered international recognition for his skill and expertise in the delicate field of neurosurgery.
Dr. Carson’s accomplishments have been recognized with more than 60 honorary doctorate degrees and numerous national merit citations. His contributions to the medical field and society have established him as a role model and an inspiration to many.
In addition to his surgical successes, Ben Carson is also a prolific author with a total of 34 books to his name. His works span various genres, including memoirs, motivational books, and political commentaries. One of his most popular books is “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” which shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon.
Carson’s dedication to service and his achievements in the medical profession have positioned him as a prominent figure in American politics. While it is important to note that he has not received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, his continued pursuit of excellence and commitment to making a difference are hallmarks of his career. His accomplishments serve as a testament to the power of determination and hard work in achieving success.
Impact and Influence
Ben Carson’s journey from a challenging childhood to a path-breaking career in medicine has made his books a source of inspiration for many. His published works, such as “Gifted Hands” and “Think Big,” capture his determination and perseverance while also providing valuable insights into his field of expertise, pediatric neurosurgery.
One of the most notable achievements of Dr. Carson’s career is the successful separation of conjoined twins, a groundbreaking accomplishment in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. This story and others like it have made his books not only informative but also truly inspiring reads. By sharing his experiences, he has made a significant impact on medical professionals and individuals alike, motivating them to overcome adversities and reach great heights in their careers.
Dr. Carson’s books also feature a collection of powerful quotes that exemplify his focused and purpose-driven approach to life. These words of wisdom resonate with readers and encourage them to adopt a similar outlook. For example, in “The Big Picture,” he discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals and having a clear vision of one’s purpose in life.
The influence of Ben Carson’s books extends beyond the realm of medicine. They serve as motivational tools for individuals in various stages of life, promoting a mindset of resilience, hard work, and faith. From students struggling academically to professionals looking for a renewed sense of purpose, readers from all walks of life can find encouragement and guidance in Dr. Carson’s writings.
In conclusion, Ben Carson’s books have left a lasting impact on the fields of medicine and self-help literature. His words continue to inspire and motivate readers, providing essential insights and valuable lessons that have the power to transform lives.
