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The Big Picture: Getting Perspective on What's Really Important in Life
Dr. Ben Carson is known as the originator of ground-breaking surgical procedures, a doctor who turn impossible hopes into joyous realities. He is known as well as a compassionate humanitarian who reaches beyond corporate boardrooms to touch the lives of inner-city kids. What drives him? The Big Picture. A vision of something truly worth living for, something that calls forth the best of his amazing talents, energy, and focus. In The Big Picture, Dr. Carson shares with you the overarching philosophy that has shaped his life, causing him to rise from failure to far-reaching influence. This book is not about HOW to succeed—it’s about WHY to succeed. It’s about broadening your perspectives. It’s about finding a vision for your own life that can reframe your priorities, energize your efforts, and inspire you to change the world around you.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 1999
82 people are currently reading
1364 people want to read
About the author
Ben Carson
62 books952 followersBenjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., M.D. is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States by President George W. Bush in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 22, 2012
Fantastic! A must read for everyone. He is a true example of the power of education. Dr. Carson states that education is an equalizer and he is right. One of many things I love about this book is how his mother's insistence that he read became a life changing/life defining moment for him. Books can transform lives and he is living proof of that.
March 21, 2017
This has a lot of great information on a variety of subjects like education, politics, healthcare, etc. Really enjoyed his perspective on life and appreciate his life testimony and work. Amazing man!
December 16, 2017
Ben Carson is an admirable figure: his story of rising from poverty to advanced neurosurgery is inspiring, and the way his faith permeates every aspect of his life, not least his work, was encouraging to witness. This book however, is repetitive, preachy and unrealistically visionary. It mostly consists of Dr Carson recounting speaking opportunities and the things “I told them” which are pretty much the same ideas and stories for the entirety of the book. Clearly a visionary leader, he also spends a fair portion of the book proposing idea after idea to fix various problems, but never fleshes out a single one, making it a dissatisfying read. Like many admirable people who are then made public speakers, the best part of what he has to share is his story, not his ideas, which I suspect is why “Gifted Hands” has such a good reputation but this turned out to be a terrible read.
June 5, 2013
For me, having already read Dr. Carson's "America the Beautiful" and "Take the Risk", the 'meat' of this book really starts at Chapter 5 (Seeing the Big Picture). First of all, I noticed that Dr. Carson is a person who likes to use acrostics such as:
- Negative PEERS stands for People who Encourage Errors, Rudeness, and Stupidity.
- THINK BIG stands for Talent-Honesty-Insight-Nice-Knowledge-Books-In-depth learning-God.
Also, Dr. Carson considers himself a privileged person, any individual who has been given an opportunity and a platform to positively affect the lives of others. As such, "for me, success is defined by what I do with every opportunity, every platform I have been given, to positively affect the lives of others."
In Chapter 8 (Parenting: Life's Most Important Responsibility) Dr. Carson offers ten strategies for improved parenting.
In Chapter 9 (Determining Priorities and Making Choices) Dr. Carson provides this observation regarding politics: "I am troubled by the growing rancor and divisiveness that has marked so much of our national political climate in recent years. Too many of us want to describe ourselves as Democrats or Republicans and never the twain shall meet. One says this an the other says that. If one is for something, the other is against it. We get ourselves backed into corners simply because we define ourselves by the ideology of our parties rather than by what we actually think. Why do we even need our brains? We can just say "I'm a Democrat" or "I'm a Republican" and 'This is the way we think.' That's crazy. That does not even give ourselves credit for the ability to analyze and interpret and make choices about individual issues in light of our own experience, priorities, and principles. Therefore, I describe myself as an independent. I consider it a waste of our human brainpower to be otherwise. Of course, that is just my own opinion. Some of my best friends are still Republicans and Democrats.'"
In Chapter 10 (Being Nice, Doing Good) Dr. Carson gives some answers to "Why be nice?"; "Being Nice - How is it done?"; and "Being Nice - What it doesn't mean..."
In Chapter 12 (Finding a Cure for Racial Division) Dr. Carson ends aptly with this: "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
In Chapter 13 (Education: The Great Equalizer) Dr. Carson provides answers to "How to lay the foundation for education in your home?"
Finally, as a leading authority in the medical and healthcare profession, Dr. Carson focuses his attention strictly on one of the most threatening predicaments facing America today -- Health Care. In Chapter 14 (Diagnosing the Crisis in Health Care) Dr. Carson provides a very insightful analysis of the evolving problems that have been plaguing the US healthcare system over the last century. Moreover, he observed that "our modern culture would be better served if more doctors were better public servants" -- a must read for every M.D. in the U.S. And then, in Chapter 15 (Revolutionizing Health Care: One Doctor's Prescription) he enumerates many ideas that could drastically improve the physician-patient relationship by reforming the US healthcare system. Although those ideas need further review and refinement by having a multidisciplinary team of people working together, I believe that his proposal provides a sound framework for effective and quick implementation.
In the Epilogue (The Truly Big Picture) Dr. Carson concludes this book with a much deeper (and spiritual) insight into his view of the Big Picture by giving a couple of dramatic stories of God's healing power that he has personally experienced and concluding this book in the following words: "I am just a brain surgeon. I cannot know everything. Thankfully I do not have to, because I have learned the wisdom of Solomon who wrote, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.' (Proverbs 3:5) In other words, we need to realize that God is in control. We need to seek his will and get his perspective by developing a relationship with him and his word. When we can begin to see the world through his eyes of love and compassion, we will also see ourselves in a true light, as part of his plan. Then, and only then, can we really begin to understand the Big Picture."
- Negative PEERS stands for People who Encourage Errors, Rudeness, and Stupidity.
- THINK BIG stands for Talent-Honesty-Insight-Nice-Knowledge-Books-In-depth learning-God.
Also, Dr. Carson considers himself a privileged person, any individual who has been given an opportunity and a platform to positively affect the lives of others. As such, "for me, success is defined by what I do with every opportunity, every platform I have been given, to positively affect the lives of others."
In Chapter 8 (Parenting: Life's Most Important Responsibility) Dr. Carson offers ten strategies for improved parenting.
In Chapter 9 (Determining Priorities and Making Choices) Dr. Carson provides this observation regarding politics: "I am troubled by the growing rancor and divisiveness that has marked so much of our national political climate in recent years. Too many of us want to describe ourselves as Democrats or Republicans and never the twain shall meet. One says this an the other says that. If one is for something, the other is against it. We get ourselves backed into corners simply because we define ourselves by the ideology of our parties rather than by what we actually think. Why do we even need our brains? We can just say "I'm a Democrat" or "I'm a Republican" and 'This is the way we think.' That's crazy. That does not even give ourselves credit for the ability to analyze and interpret and make choices about individual issues in light of our own experience, priorities, and principles. Therefore, I describe myself as an independent. I consider it a waste of our human brainpower to be otherwise. Of course, that is just my own opinion. Some of my best friends are still Republicans and Democrats.'"
In Chapter 10 (Being Nice, Doing Good) Dr. Carson gives some answers to "Why be nice?"; "Being Nice - How is it done?"; and "Being Nice - What it doesn't mean..."
In Chapter 12 (Finding a Cure for Racial Division) Dr. Carson ends aptly with this: "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
In Chapter 13 (Education: The Great Equalizer) Dr. Carson provides answers to "How to lay the foundation for education in your home?"
Finally, as a leading authority in the medical and healthcare profession, Dr. Carson focuses his attention strictly on one of the most threatening predicaments facing America today -- Health Care. In Chapter 14 (Diagnosing the Crisis in Health Care) Dr. Carson provides a very insightful analysis of the evolving problems that have been plaguing the US healthcare system over the last century. Moreover, he observed that "our modern culture would be better served if more doctors were better public servants" -- a must read for every M.D. in the U.S. And then, in Chapter 15 (Revolutionizing Health Care: One Doctor's Prescription) he enumerates many ideas that could drastically improve the physician-patient relationship by reforming the US healthcare system. Although those ideas need further review and refinement by having a multidisciplinary team of people working together, I believe that his proposal provides a sound framework for effective and quick implementation.
In the Epilogue (The Truly Big Picture) Dr. Carson concludes this book with a much deeper (and spiritual) insight into his view of the Big Picture by giving a couple of dramatic stories of God's healing power that he has personally experienced and concluding this book in the following words: "I am just a brain surgeon. I cannot know everything. Thankfully I do not have to, because I have learned the wisdom of Solomon who wrote, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.' (Proverbs 3:5) In other words, we need to realize that God is in control. We need to seek his will and get his perspective by developing a relationship with him and his word. When we can begin to see the world through his eyes of love and compassion, we will also see ourselves in a true light, as part of his plan. Then, and only then, can we really begin to understand the Big Picture."
August 13, 2016
As I was scanning through the bookshelf on that fateful day, I sighted this book. Since I had been fired up by "Think Big", written by the same author, I thought it was worth considering. But when I encountered this message from the back of the cover page, I was convicted to digest the thoughts of Ben Carson. Here is the quote:
"In The Big Picture, Dr. Carson shares with you the overarching philosophy that has shaped his life, causing him to rise from failure to far-reaching influence. This book is not about HOW to succeed—it’s about WHY to succeed. It’s about broadening your perspectives. It’s about finding a vision for your own life that can reframe your priorities, energize your efforts, and inspire you to change the world around you."
And right now, I have to admit that my core values have been greatly reinforced. The passion for excellence, and knowing 'why' one must succeed can birth courage, faith, and self belief, like no other. The world will little note what we do for ourselves, but it can never forget how we used our lives for the benefit of others and the world at large. It can never forget how we selflessly invested our lives for a course that reduces human suffering, and genuinely help people to succeed and improve human life. Therefore we mustn't be 'small thinkers'; living a small circumference of comfort, having no plans, no goals, no passion, no vision- not seeing the greater good we can be to this world if could only reach for it. We must stand tall and hold fast to the truth as we focus on these ideals, because if we do, we would naturally walk into success.
Divided into three parts, Ben Carson deliberately highlights what's important to him vis-à-vis the American society. It is with a tone of concern that he wonders why America is losing those values that made her the greatest on earth. Ben Carson also makes a case for intellectualism and academic excellence which to him is the bedrock of any great nation. He constantly hammers on the threat to these values throughout the text, expressing his informed opinions about parenting, poverty, hardship, hardwork, delayed gratification, indepth learning, faith, American healthcare, racism, and the likes.
I was particularly 'enfired' by Chapter 9, and the Epilogue. I think you need to read the epilogue. I bet you, it will change your life forever.
Dr Ben Carson has made his case. Personally, I believe in most of them. I shall therefore work hard to improve my country, however long or hard it takes to succeed.
"In The Big Picture, Dr. Carson shares with you the overarching philosophy that has shaped his life, causing him to rise from failure to far-reaching influence. This book is not about HOW to succeed—it’s about WHY to succeed. It’s about broadening your perspectives. It’s about finding a vision for your own life that can reframe your priorities, energize your efforts, and inspire you to change the world around you."
And right now, I have to admit that my core values have been greatly reinforced. The passion for excellence, and knowing 'why' one must succeed can birth courage, faith, and self belief, like no other. The world will little note what we do for ourselves, but it can never forget how we used our lives for the benefit of others and the world at large. It can never forget how we selflessly invested our lives for a course that reduces human suffering, and genuinely help people to succeed and improve human life. Therefore we mustn't be 'small thinkers'; living a small circumference of comfort, having no plans, no goals, no passion, no vision- not seeing the greater good we can be to this world if could only reach for it. We must stand tall and hold fast to the truth as we focus on these ideals, because if we do, we would naturally walk into success.
Divided into three parts, Ben Carson deliberately highlights what's important to him vis-à-vis the American society. It is with a tone of concern that he wonders why America is losing those values that made her the greatest on earth. Ben Carson also makes a case for intellectualism and academic excellence which to him is the bedrock of any great nation. He constantly hammers on the threat to these values throughout the text, expressing his informed opinions about parenting, poverty, hardship, hardwork, delayed gratification, indepth learning, faith, American healthcare, racism, and the likes.
I was particularly 'enfired' by Chapter 9, and the Epilogue. I think you need to read the epilogue. I bet you, it will change your life forever.
Dr Ben Carson has made his case. Personally, I believe in most of them. I shall therefore work hard to improve my country, however long or hard it takes to succeed.
February 7, 2017
Ben Carson came on my radar when he became a household name after his speech at Obama's National Prayer Breakfast in 2013. In the prayer breakfast he lambasted the direction America is heading and warned about the perils of the “moral decay and fiscal irresponsibility” that face the nation.
The Big Picture, which came after the National Prayer Breakfast, is an excellent insight into his life and perspective as the world's foremost neurosurgeon. The book is primarily about the role of perspective, and how to use this powerful mind tool to overcome adversity.
As a GOP Presidential nominee I found his recount of discovering that he is not an auditory learner a fascinating insight into his persona, as he's often criticised as slow. As an already voracious reader, he read even more when he was in Med School, standing and reading for hours on end, reading out loud and pacing the room. He often skipped classes in order to read, read, read and this was how he turned his previous failing at med school into passing and going on to even greater success.
As a neurosurgeon, there's no doubt he's a methodical surgeon who stands for over 23 hours at a time, engaged in life and death operations. In doing so, he'd have to block out all other input and focus, which you can observe in his demeanour in the GOP debates. His focus, attention to detail and capacity to pull together reliable teams is unquestionably the key to his success. Indeed, he credits others very generously with his success.
However, and sadly for him, the recent terror attacks in Paris have changed the GOP race for the Presidential nomination. The methodical, quiet and courteous demeanour, along with his need for a firmer grasp on foreign policy is working against him.
Not that this book is about the GOP race, however, my purpose for reading his book was to gain a greater insight into Ben Carson the candidate. He's unquestionably an inspiring individual of outstanding character, which shines in his book. The Big Picture ...worth the read.
The Big Picture, which came after the National Prayer Breakfast, is an excellent insight into his life and perspective as the world's foremost neurosurgeon. The book is primarily about the role of perspective, and how to use this powerful mind tool to overcome adversity.
As a GOP Presidential nominee I found his recount of discovering that he is not an auditory learner a fascinating insight into his persona, as he's often criticised as slow. As an already voracious reader, he read even more when he was in Med School, standing and reading for hours on end, reading out loud and pacing the room. He often skipped classes in order to read, read, read and this was how he turned his previous failing at med school into passing and going on to even greater success.
As a neurosurgeon, there's no doubt he's a methodical surgeon who stands for over 23 hours at a time, engaged in life and death operations. In doing so, he'd have to block out all other input and focus, which you can observe in his demeanour in the GOP debates. His focus, attention to detail and capacity to pull together reliable teams is unquestionably the key to his success. Indeed, he credits others very generously with his success.
However, and sadly for him, the recent terror attacks in Paris have changed the GOP race for the Presidential nomination. The methodical, quiet and courteous demeanour, along with his need for a firmer grasp on foreign policy is working against him.
Not that this book is about the GOP race, however, my purpose for reading his book was to gain a greater insight into Ben Carson the candidate. He's unquestionably an inspiring individual of outstanding character, which shines in his book. The Big Picture ...worth the read.
November 22, 2010
As Jesus says.. "I came so that they may have life & life more abundantly," Dr. Carson shows that anyone can live life to its fullest when one lives by Godly principles,success is available to all!!
The Big Picture demonstrates that if one man could touch the world with his God given talents, we could all strive to empower others with the same enthusiasm. Everyone can be the victor, and not a victim regardless of one's beginnings.
Dr. Carson demonstrates that though we have no choice in our birth and many life challengess, whether a challenge is of physical, economic, educational or racial origin, we can all contribute to improving our lot in life, and the lot of others globally, by using the brain God gifted to us - we can educate ourselves, and others, such as our children. The choices we make will in some way impact the world.
We need to walk the extra mile , and be proactive in achieving compassionate action, for our families and for our community.
The Big Picture demonstrates that if one man could touch the world with his God given talents, we could all strive to empower others with the same enthusiasm. Everyone can be the victor, and not a victim regardless of one's beginnings.
Dr. Carson demonstrates that though we have no choice in our birth and many life challengess, whether a challenge is of physical, economic, educational or racial origin, we can all contribute to improving our lot in life, and the lot of others globally, by using the brain God gifted to us - we can educate ourselves, and others, such as our children. The choices we make will in some way impact the world.
We need to walk the extra mile , and be proactive in achieving compassionate action, for our families and for our community.
February 15, 2009
Ben Carson is a man of many accomplishments. He has some good ideas about a lot of things. But this book does him a disservice as it sounds preachy, pretentious, and repetative. I think this is an editorial problem. But it doesn't make me want to read another book anytime soon. I think if I had to do it all over again...I'd start with his original memoir and forget all the other books.
March 23, 2008
Again, I'm biased here. I attend the same discussion group at church with Dr. Carson. This man is truly an amazingly humble human being. I'm blessed to have made his acquaintance. His story is amazing and his dedication to family is inpsiring ... he leads by example.
August 6, 2008
A wise friend recommended this book. Loved the author's outlook on parenting and education. Wide variety of topics from health care to racial diversity. Underlying theme promotes race relations/understanding. The author is a brain surgeon that specializes in separating siamese twins.
March 22, 2011
I had wanted to read this book for several years before I finally got a copy. It is a good recup of all his earlier book and more. I just feel encouraged to give my very best in whatever I do when I read Dr. Carson's book and this is no exception.
December 7, 2015
Great book. The last 2 chapters were a bit heavy on implementing change in the health care system, but the rest of the book was really empowering. Ben Carson did a great job and I am looking forward to reading his other books.
August 29, 2018
One of Ben Carson’s best books full of inspiration and motivation
August 22, 2018
So so.
September 16, 2015
While reading this book, Ben Carson shines a vivid light into a hopeless situation. I first discovered this particular one roughly ten years ago, and while reading Dr. Carson's "The Big Picture" he really serves as a counselor and a compass to where true worth lies. In this book, he lays out basic principles that guided him from extreme poverty into being the youngest pediatric neurosurgeon of his time. He emphasizes the importance of reading, and how this was an essential key that bought him that passage.
March 24, 2008
Another totally inspirational author. Unfortunately his books are not available in South Africa but are well worth ordering from the US. Ben Carson grew up in a single parent household, with an illiterate mother who had three jobs to try and make ends meet. Ben was violent (he even tried to stab a friend) and was the dumb kid in his class. At the age of 33 he became the youngest Head of Neurosurgery in the US. What happened in between? Find out when you read the book!
August 27, 2008
Inspiring! Ben Carson shares his view of current American culture, our educational system and healthcare. His story includes a lot of good reminder for parents as he talks about being raised by an illiterate single mother in the projects of Detroit and how he overcomes his surroundings and becomes a prominent pediatric neurosurgeon.
August 8, 2011
This confirms that people can do anything that they make a priority. It was very uplifting for me to read about how Carson became a neurosurgeon amid the disadvantages he faced. His philosophy with regard to achievement can be applied to any situation. His humanitarian attitude is to be commended.
February 26, 2015
I completely agree with his attitude of not being a victim. Especially like his comment about "politically correct". Loves what he says about what president should say "You look like a very capable person and I'm sure you can find a better job".
His suggestion about health care reform is also very interesting.
His suggestion about health care reform is also very interesting.
July 6, 2015
Siamese twins, pray for direction, never underestimate allowing Him to operate, say prayers not worry, need more wisdom for big picture, tell lessons learned incredible potential, desire from 8 physical mental spiritual healing, turn off tv 2 programs and 2 books a week, enamored with sports as others history to learn from, high school peers, honesty insight/history nice/caring.
May 27, 2017
Carson jumps between medical procedures , politics and education. Carson has led an inspiring life and his perspective is unique. Carson's original memoir is still his best book but this is definitely another interesting look into the mind of Carson. Carson's dives into poverty, victim mentality, parenting and being nice to others.
October 4, 2007
Ben was about why u should succeed. I learn t that i need to work hard and Neva to follow bad peers (People who Encourage Errors, Rudeness and Stupidity). Also education was truly the great equalizer. Faith was also not left out in the first two chapters.
July 1, 2008
I really liked Ben Carson when I read his first book,but in the years since I have felt even more love and respect for this gifted surgeon as we have become friends with the family of one of his pediatric patients who is now a thriving teenager!
July 27, 2010
Dr. Ben Carson's story is so inspiring!!! Whether you're interested in the medical field or not, his story or perseverence is just absolutely astounding and definitely worth the read! =)
(if you saw my review for 'Gifted Hands', that was a mistake! i read 'The Big Picture')
(if you saw my review for 'Gifted Hands', that was a mistake! i read 'The Big Picture')
May 14, 2013
Hardship, victim mentality, parenting, determining what's important and being nice are some of the authors topics. Great discussion on race relations, education and health care. A good book on looking at the big picture with many innovative ideas.
April 25, 2014
This book was incredibly inspirational and full of life lessons. I appreciate how well rounded Ben Carson's intelligence is. He is the brightest neurosurgeon out there. This book taught me so much about life in general.
February 3, 2016
Overall an excellent book.
An encouraging book that helps motivate us to strive & achieve our best with integrity.
Last chapter talks about the American health system, which is all relevant - & I do agree with. Though living in Australia gives me insight into their system.
An encouraging book that helps motivate us to strive & achieve our best with integrity.
Last chapter talks about the American health system, which is all relevant - & I do agree with. Though living in Australia gives me insight into their system.
January 18, 2018
A friend gave this book to my husband to read. As he read it and talked about it, I knew I wanted to read it. Carson is very insightful with his progressive thinking in so many areas of life. I think most open-minded people could gain much from reading this book.
February 28, 2008
Another inspiring novel by carson!
July 31, 2008
Great story...great life... but misses the mark with its too simplistic of an approach and lot of repetition..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews