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Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk
No risk, pay the cost. Know risk, reap the rewards. In our risk-avoidance culture, we place a high premium on safety. We insure our vacations. We check crash tests on cars. We extend the warranties on our appliances. But by insulating ourselves from the unknown---the risks of life---we miss the great adventure of living our lives to their full potential. Ben Carson spent his childhood as an at-risk child on the streets of Detroit, and today he takes daily risks in performing complex surgeries on the brain and the spinal cord. Now, offering inspiring personal examples, Dr. Carson invites us to embrace risk in our own lives. From a man whose life dramatically portrays the connection between great risks and greater successes, here are insights that will help you dispel your fear of risk so you can dream big, aim high, move with confidence, and reap rewards you've never imagined.
8 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 2007
243 people are currently reading
2392 people want to read
About the author
Ben Carson
62 books954 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 172 reviews
May 23, 2011
Ben Carson discussions are about his neuroscientific experiences, and how he lost some of his clients in OR, but still relies on God to help him save lives. How we have to take risks?
1. Everything is Risky
2. More we know, more we worry
3. A lot of risks aren't worth the worry
4. we can't eliminate all risk
5. minimizing risk is oten the best we can do
6. acceptable risks
7. not all risks are bad
8. all going to die
Furthermore, he speaks about his life in Detroit like he did in his other book "The Big Picture" and watched the video "Gifted Hands" on his remarkable experience in his career as a brain surgeon. He has a great deameanor, God-driven, and a committment with God. Ask God to help him with his difficult studies and now as a brain surgeon, he asks for help.
Risk 1: thinking new ways
Risk 2: weighing alternatives
Risk 3: Making your own decisions
"Faith is a risk--whatever you believe"
Last page is the best quote ever in the book, "Brain, use it, the most powerful prescription for life, love, and success in a dangerous world."
1. Everything is Risky
2. More we know, more we worry
3. A lot of risks aren't worth the worry
4. we can't eliminate all risk
5. minimizing risk is oten the best we can do
6. acceptable risks
7. not all risks are bad
8. all going to die
Furthermore, he speaks about his life in Detroit like he did in his other book "The Big Picture" and watched the video "Gifted Hands" on his remarkable experience in his career as a brain surgeon. He has a great deameanor, God-driven, and a committment with God. Ask God to help him with his difficult studies and now as a brain surgeon, he asks for help.
Risk 1: thinking new ways
Risk 2: weighing alternatives
Risk 3: Making your own decisions
"Faith is a risk--whatever you believe"
Last page is the best quote ever in the book, "Brain, use it, the most powerful prescription for life, love, and success in a dangerous world."
August 5, 2020
We take risks every day, but as a society we have become so risk adverse that it is cancelling out common sense. He talks about using his Best/worst analysis to determine which risks are worth taking. He does talk about how his relationship with Jesus determines a lot of his decisions and plays into his analysis. There were several things in his chapter on money and politics that I didn't agree with, but overall a good read.
October 22, 2011
Very well written perspective of the risks most of us face in our everyday lives. Dr. Carson offers a professional spin on risk taking. He is among the neurosurgeons on a team who in 2003 attempted to separate a pair of Iranian twins conjoined at the head. The twins were 29 years old and old enough to accept their choice to be separated as a calculated risk. Ultimately, the risk they took ended in hemorrhaging, organ failures, and death. However, it could've been easily seen as a risk worth taking had the operation succeeded.
Dr. Carson acknowledges that all of us take risks in everyday life. It could be as simple as choosing to get into the driver's seat and go for a drive. The risk of an accident is always there. But he also analyzes critical decisions he had to make in his own personal and professional life, and illustrates them with what he calls a B/WA (best/worst assessment). That is, asking oneself what's the best (or worst) possible outcome if I do (or don't) take the risk? This assessment is referenced throughout the text.
This is a vital item for people interested in psychology, neurology, and general medical practice. Anyone interested in checking this out from a library should search around the call number 302.12.
Dr. Carson acknowledges that all of us take risks in everyday life. It could be as simple as choosing to get into the driver's seat and go for a drive. The risk of an accident is always there. But he also analyzes critical decisions he had to make in his own personal and professional life, and illustrates them with what he calls a B/WA (best/worst assessment). That is, asking oneself what's the best (or worst) possible outcome if I do (or don't) take the risk? This assessment is referenced throughout the text.
This is a vital item for people interested in psychology, neurology, and general medical practice. Anyone interested in checking this out from a library should search around the call number 302.12.
Read
December 21, 2012Another Great book I read this year was “Taking the Risk” by Ben Carson.
When we look at today’s culture we see a world of people who like to play it safe, who like to do just enough to get by. In the book by Ben Carson he teaches you how to take risks, not the life threatening risks like jumping of a building and seeing if you can land the jump, but the risks that take you to a high level of success.
Prior to the writing of this book, Carson was approached with a lot of questions about whether he should have taken the Risks he took in his operations. These questions drove Carson to write this book.
Carson begins the book with a very risky operation that leads to the death of two twins conjoined at the head. The twins demanded the operation so they could live separate lives. Carson and his team went ahead with the operation and an unexplainable event happened during the operation to the patients and the twins pass away.
Carson then goes on to teach his audience that acceptable risks should be part of our lives if we ever want to get somewhere in life.
I would highly recommend this book. It not only inspired me be it also challenged me to take acceptable risks that will help me Grow closer to God and do better in life.
When we look at today’s culture we see a world of people who like to play it safe, who like to do just enough to get by. In the book by Ben Carson he teaches you how to take risks, not the life threatening risks like jumping of a building and seeing if you can land the jump, but the risks that take you to a high level of success.
Prior to the writing of this book, Carson was approached with a lot of questions about whether he should have taken the Risks he took in his operations. These questions drove Carson to write this book.
Carson begins the book with a very risky operation that leads to the death of two twins conjoined at the head. The twins demanded the operation so they could live separate lives. Carson and his team went ahead with the operation and an unexplainable event happened during the operation to the patients and the twins pass away.
Carson then goes on to teach his audience that acceptable risks should be part of our lives if we ever want to get somewhere in life.
I would highly recommend this book. It not only inspired me be it also challenged me to take acceptable risks that will help me Grow closer to God and do better in life.
January 1, 2014
World Renown paedatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson gives his approach to assessing risk using gripping examples from his own "at-risk" childhood, his personal life and professional career - especially with ground breaking operations such as separating cranial co-joined twins. There is no doubt that Ben Carson knows something about risk taking!
Many of his examples of risk assessment and risk taking overlap content in his previous books, however I appreciated these practical and gripping examples of his strategies to risk. To some extent his Best/Worst Analysis grid (B/WA)glides over the sheer complexity of risk assessment, e.g. issues of subjectivity, lack of knowledge or the impact of how probable the different risks are. On the other hand, it's very simplicity is perhaps an advantage in many (most) situations. I particularly liked that he looked at the risk of not doing something not justthe risk of doing something and also the role values and faith play in decision making.
I would have given this book 5 stars except that it does tend to waffle on a little bit at the end and Carson has a strong focus on US readers. Having said that Dr Carson is obviously a brilliant man who is well worth listening to when it comes to solving long entrenched and complex problems which facing contemporary society (and not just in the USA).
Definitely a book worth reading.
Many of his examples of risk assessment and risk taking overlap content in his previous books, however I appreciated these practical and gripping examples of his strategies to risk. To some extent his Best/Worst Analysis grid (B/WA)glides over the sheer complexity of risk assessment, e.g. issues of subjectivity, lack of knowledge or the impact of how probable the different risks are. On the other hand, it's very simplicity is perhaps an advantage in many (most) situations. I particularly liked that he looked at the risk of not doing something not justthe risk of doing something and also the role values and faith play in decision making.
I would have given this book 5 stars except that it does tend to waffle on a little bit at the end and Carson has a strong focus on US readers. Having said that Dr Carson is obviously a brilliant man who is well worth listening to when it comes to solving long entrenched and complex problems which facing contemporary society (and not just in the USA).
Definitely a book worth reading.
February 21, 2010
I learned of Ben Carson after my daughter was encouraged by her teacher to watch the made for TV movie about Dr Carson, with Cuba Gooding Jr in the starring role. Shortly thereafter I saw this book at Costco, and bought it.
The book is part motivation and part autobiography.
If there was ever an 'at risk' youth, it would be Carson. Growing up with his brother in a single parent home, with an illiterate mother, in a very poor and violent neighborhood in inner city Detroit, Carson was a poor student in a bad school. From this beginning, it is nothing short of a miracle that he is today the world's most accomplished and respected neurosurgeon.
Carson embraces his Christianity in a profession that often places greater emphasis on science than faith, which sometimes puts him at odds with his fellow Doctors.
The later part of the book describes Carson's simple but effective thought process when he is faced with a decision.
You can't help but be deeply inspired by Dr Carson.
The book is part motivation and part autobiography.
If there was ever an 'at risk' youth, it would be Carson. Growing up with his brother in a single parent home, with an illiterate mother, in a very poor and violent neighborhood in inner city Detroit, Carson was a poor student in a bad school. From this beginning, it is nothing short of a miracle that he is today the world's most accomplished and respected neurosurgeon.
Carson embraces his Christianity in a profession that often places greater emphasis on science than faith, which sometimes puts him at odds with his fellow Doctors.
The later part of the book describes Carson's simple but effective thought process when he is faced with a decision.
You can't help but be deeply inspired by Dr Carson.
July 15, 2022
A combination autobiography and self help book. In "Take The Risk" Ben Carson lays out his simple but effective methodology for assessing risk and making decisions:
What's the best that could happen if I do it?
What's the worst that could happen if I do it?
What's the best that could happen if I don't do it?
What's the worst that could happen if I don't do it?
He illustrates the use of the method with many situations from his extremely interesting life. This was a quick enjoyable read and a worthwhile one where I learned a number of things.
What's the best that could happen if I do it?
What's the worst that could happen if I do it?
What's the best that could happen if I don't do it?
What's the worst that could happen if I don't do it?
He illustrates the use of the method with many situations from his extremely interesting life. This was a quick enjoyable read and a worthwhile one where I learned a number of things.
December 11, 2012
This book really has me rethinking my current path. By doing his simple BWA, you can bargain on whatever risk you encounter easily. I really enjoyed the experiences embedded in this book and I had a hard time putting it down. I was most moved by his inclusion of faith in taking risks. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is at a crossroads in life and contemplating risks. It will make you view them through an new light and not become paralyzed by fear of risks.
August 19, 2013
Though occasionally repetitive on the B/WA, I found this book to be extremely encouraging in not just my physical life, but also my spiritual life. He drives home the point that nothing good in life comes without risk and Ben Carson offers a logical and simple solution of the B/WA. This book shows that in a society where not taking risks is becoming the norm, many won't reach their full potential in any discipline because of their fear of the possibilities of failure.
September 16, 2021
I appreciated Ben’s down to earth common sense approach to life. He writes from a position of humility and from an unashamedly Christian perspective. We need this book in today’s society of hypersensitive to risk. A more thorough discussion of the topic of risk would have earned this review five stars.
October 24, 2021
I found the book very interesting and on the most part agreed with what he had to say about taking risks, especially the truth in life itself being a risk and the problem of our culture today trying to prevent so many risks and the negative effect that is having on life itself. There seems to be a lot of merit in his basic concept of best/worst analysis although as most things it’s not quite as simple as that in a lot of situations. He does address that fact and speaks of other factors that play into decision making. One being, removing self / our egos from the equation. And obviously, some decisions are much easier to use that formula than others. Something that did bother me a little was that the examples given in using the formula always seemed to result in success which I do not believe is always the case. But then I guess he was trying to make a point.
Here’s some of the items I highlighted in the book:
3 Risks Worth Taking
Thinking in new ways.
Weighing the alternatives.
Making your own decision.
Best/Worst Analysis (B/WA) Formula
What is the best thing that can happen if I do this?
What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
What is the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
A lot of good thoughts in Chapter 10 - Faith is a risk
It takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does in creation.
Whenever I do touch on the subject of faith, I find the best policy is to talk about it in terms of its effect on me personally, as opposed to what I think it should mean or do for someone else.
If I’m not careful, confidence, like firm convictions, can come across as arrogance. Which is why I constantly watch my attitude and try to be sensitive in what I say, where I say it, and even how others might feel about it. There aren’t many situations in which I think an insistent “I’m right and you’re wrong!” approach is ever effective.
I’m bothered by the fact that organized religion has, historically, at times been used in the wrong way to control people. For that reason, I don’t consider myself a “religious” person at all. I am, however, a person of enormous faith. I have a deep, personal, ever-growing relationship with God, which guides my thoughts and actions.
The essence of Christian faith is not so much a connection to any organized group of people as a personal relationship with a single person -- Jesus.
I’m not big on religious tradition. I have no problem with other people who find great inspiration and meaning in rites or ceremonies, but religious ritual has never done much for me. What does mean a lot to me is regular communication with God.
True greatness isn’t so much what you do as who you are.
Once we manage to remove our egos from the equation, many of the commonplace and unsettling risks we face in life become a lot less personal and no longer seem to be much of a risk at all. That discovery frees us up to better concentrate on dealing with the real risks presented by truly important issues.
The perceived “risk” in being nice is often the result of being overly concerned about your ego. If you can take yourself out of the equation and put your ego concerns into perspective, you’ll find it much easier to be nice and to reach out to others.
Some days I decide, “My goal in this next hour is to make someone who is grumpy feel better.” I make it a challenge. Try it yourself sometime. I think you’ll find it adds an extra, fun dimension to your day.
If you make a habit of being nice and develop a reputation as someone who is pleasant to work with, whenever you need something, or appear the least bit disappointed in something, you’ll have people falling all over themselves wanting to try to solve the problem. Whereas the person who is always blowing his top gets ignored after a while.
If we allow fear to trump reasoning, we all become victims.
Here’s some of the items I highlighted in the book:
3 Risks Worth Taking
Thinking in new ways.
Weighing the alternatives.
Making your own decision.
Best/Worst Analysis (B/WA) Formula
What is the best thing that can happen if I do this?
What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
What is the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
A lot of good thoughts in Chapter 10 - Faith is a risk
It takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does in creation.
Whenever I do touch on the subject of faith, I find the best policy is to talk about it in terms of its effect on me personally, as opposed to what I think it should mean or do for someone else.
If I’m not careful, confidence, like firm convictions, can come across as arrogance. Which is why I constantly watch my attitude and try to be sensitive in what I say, where I say it, and even how others might feel about it. There aren’t many situations in which I think an insistent “I’m right and you’re wrong!” approach is ever effective.
I’m bothered by the fact that organized religion has, historically, at times been used in the wrong way to control people. For that reason, I don’t consider myself a “religious” person at all. I am, however, a person of enormous faith. I have a deep, personal, ever-growing relationship with God, which guides my thoughts and actions.
The essence of Christian faith is not so much a connection to any organized group of people as a personal relationship with a single person -- Jesus.
I’m not big on religious tradition. I have no problem with other people who find great inspiration and meaning in rites or ceremonies, but religious ritual has never done much for me. What does mean a lot to me is regular communication with God.
True greatness isn’t so much what you do as who you are.
Once we manage to remove our egos from the equation, many of the commonplace and unsettling risks we face in life become a lot less personal and no longer seem to be much of a risk at all. That discovery frees us up to better concentrate on dealing with the real risks presented by truly important issues.
The perceived “risk” in being nice is often the result of being overly concerned about your ego. If you can take yourself out of the equation and put your ego concerns into perspective, you’ll find it much easier to be nice and to reach out to others.
Some days I decide, “My goal in this next hour is to make someone who is grumpy feel better.” I make it a challenge. Try it yourself sometime. I think you’ll find it adds an extra, fun dimension to your day.
If you make a habit of being nice and develop a reputation as someone who is pleasant to work with, whenever you need something, or appear the least bit disappointed in something, you’ll have people falling all over themselves wanting to try to solve the problem. Whereas the person who is always blowing his top gets ignored after a while.
If we allow fear to trump reasoning, we all become victims.
September 25, 2020
I would definitely recommend reading Take the Risk by Ben Carson. Personally, I would give it a 4-star review. In the book, Carson gave many personal examples of situations in his life where he had to make a choice to take the risk. These examples ranged from whether or not to perform a risky surgery, to more relatable ones like taking the risk to be more outgoing. Over his lifetime, he has developed a Best Worst Analysis formula to help determine if taking the risk is worth it. By reading this book and learning how he applied this formula to situations he was faced with, it helped me realize that I can do the same thing to help me decide whether or not I should take a risk that I am faced with. I will be better prepared for my future if I take the time to think about my choices as he suggests. Overall, this book is a great read and very insightful.
March 16, 2018
First of all it is about the author - do google Ben Carson's biography.
This book can help when it comes to taking risky decisions. It provides a simple framework for balancing the options by taking into considerations a few factors. It dives into a simple and common sense discussion of childhood, education, spirituality, the practice of medicine and on learning how to approach situations such that an acceptable risk can be taken and why everybody should do that (including children). It also approaches the risks of doing nothing, saying nothing, not getting involved and having too many regulations.
This book can help when it comes to taking risky decisions. It provides a simple framework for balancing the options by taking into considerations a few factors. It dives into a simple and common sense discussion of childhood, education, spirituality, the practice of medicine and on learning how to approach situations such that an acceptable risk can be taken and why everybody should do that (including children). It also approaches the risks of doing nothing, saying nothing, not getting involved and having too many regulations.
July 18, 2021
Interesting case studies from his unusual and complex life to demonstrate his simple risk analysis keep things interesting. Dr.Carson and his wife's risk analysis on whether to let their son continue driving after two consecutive collisions is a particularly good example. However, there is too much repitition of content from his "Gifted Hands"; likely done to keep this book standalone. Book could have easily been about 50-70 pages shorter though.
September 25, 2025
fabulous insights about decision making
July 13, 2008
"odds that you will die at some point in your life: 1 in 1. thus, you might say the greatest, most significant, and universal risk factor in death is being born. this implies that it really isn't very helpful to approach the subject of risk by focusing on how we might die; rather, it's far wiser to consider how we should live and what risks we will live with."
"far better is it to dare mighty things than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much." - t. roosevelt
"it all boils down to your values. if your priority is to look good in front of people, your life will take a different direction than if your priority is to use the talents God has given you to make a positive difference in the world. such values will influence what risks you choose to take."
"the greatest risk in removing faith from the public square is that we, our society, and our world lose any real sense of right and wrong. the politically correct thinking on this is not only completely illogical, but distortedly dangerous. dostoevsky observed, 'if you were to destroy in mankind the belief in immorality, not only love, but every living force maintaining the life of the world would at once be dried up...for if God does not exist, everything is permitted.' dostoevsky was right. without faith and values by which to weigh the answers of our B/WAs, there is no way to conduct a valid or meaningful risk analysis. for if there is no right or wrong, there can be no best or worst."
"far better is it to dare mighty things than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much." - t. roosevelt
"it all boils down to your values. if your priority is to look good in front of people, your life will take a different direction than if your priority is to use the talents God has given you to make a positive difference in the world. such values will influence what risks you choose to take."
"the greatest risk in removing faith from the public square is that we, our society, and our world lose any real sense of right and wrong. the politically correct thinking on this is not only completely illogical, but distortedly dangerous. dostoevsky observed, 'if you were to destroy in mankind the belief in immorality, not only love, but every living force maintaining the life of the world would at once be dried up...for if God does not exist, everything is permitted.' dostoevsky was right. without faith and values by which to weigh the answers of our B/WAs, there is no way to conduct a valid or meaningful risk analysis. for if there is no right or wrong, there can be no best or worst."
July 8, 2008
This is absolutely one the best books on risk you will ever read. Dr. Carson is a world famous brain surgeon that had very humble beginnings in the slums of Detroit. Raised by an illiterate mother, when his grades started to fall, she made Ben and his brother read two books a week and give her the report. This sparked his thirst for knowledge and made him cool in the classroom.
He shares his best/worst analysis to analyzing risk. What is the Best/Worst thing that can happen if I do this? What is the Best/Worst thing that can happen if I don't do this? He shares many experiences from his life of using this simple method of examining risk, including whether he should speak on creationism v evolution to a group of 15,000 science teachers (Dr. Carson shares how his life choices are based on his relationship with God). You can guess which side he was for.
Dr. Carson is engaging and a wonderful teacher.
He shares his best/worst analysis to analyzing risk. What is the Best/Worst thing that can happen if I do this? What is the Best/Worst thing that can happen if I don't do this? He shares many experiences from his life of using this simple method of examining risk, including whether he should speak on creationism v evolution to a group of 15,000 science teachers (Dr. Carson shares how his life choices are based on his relationship with God). You can guess which side he was for.
Dr. Carson is engaging and a wonderful teacher.
January 27, 2014
I would recommend this book to anyone navigating the often mysterious motives behind the behaviors of seemingly rational human beings. If you honestly think about the risk/no reward actions people engage in, as opposed to engaging in minimal risk/potential maximum reward behaviors, you realize people don't make much sense. That is why our health care costs are so high. It is also why our economy is in the tanker. I learned an awful lot about the practice of medicine & the positive behaviors that make true leaders & excellent neurosurgeons.
May 2, 2016
I'm going through my old books and notice that my book mark in this one is on the last chapter so I assume I didn't finish this book. I didn't think it was great at the time I read it. I probably won't give it another chance. I think it could've been a decent enough essay or long article, but as a book I remember thinking it was pretty redundant. Sure, go ahead and read it if you can borrow it or buy it cheap. Otherwise, find someone's quality review of it and you'll probably get the idea.
August 5, 2022
Interesting look at the implications of being a culture that has attempted eradicate any type of risk. Where's the adventure in that?
July 6, 2022
Fascinating narratives of Carson's decision-making process for taking risks. Clearly and wisely told.
July 29, 2011
Not a literary masterpiece, but offers sound advice and a formula for making decisions.
September 13, 2018
I’d like share about what has become one of my favorite books, written by someone who has become one of my favorite people: Take the Risk, by Dr. Ben Carson.
If you aren’t familiar with Dr. Carson, it won’t take long to understand how he has made my list of heroes. He grew up very poor, raised in Detroit with his brother by a single mom who couldn’t read. When his mother required her boys to read and report on two books a week, Ben went from the “dumbest kid in the class” to one of the brightest. He ended up going to Yale and eventually became a neurosurgeon. And since writing this book, he also ran for President.
In 1987, Dr. Carson actually became the first doctor in history to successfully separate craniopagus twins (conjoined at the head). Now, he’s a professor and director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
One can’t help but be encouraged and inspired by his remarkable story.
The Big Idea
Take the Risk is about the role of risk-taking in the process of decision making. In sharing his “Best/Worst Analysis” (B/WA), Dr. Carson offers a unique approach to uncertain or risky decisions, helping us consider various possibilities in a reasonable, logical manner.
He presents these four questions:
• What is the best thing that can happen if I do this?
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
• What is the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
Highlights
The two chapters on risk, as it pertains to science and faith in God, are worth getting the book for alone. Dr. Carson addresses the fact that atheists and theists alike, put their faith in a specific worldview in order to makes sense of life.
As a former Campus Minister, I especially appreciated Dr. Carson making mention of the risk he took while in college, making God and church a priority, even during finals week.
And as a new dad, I loved his chapter on risks involved in parenting. Sharing stories from his own family, Dr. Carson touches on challenging decisions like what sort of education you choose for your children; how to balance protecting and pushing our children; and the importance of empowering them to use wisdom.
Favorite Quotes
• “No matter what our professions, we will know risks. We have to use our brains to decide which ones are acceptable and how to approach them.”
• “God took the initial risk at creation by granting humankind free will to choose to believe and obey – or not.”
• “True scientists” often overlook many gaps in what they purport to be fact as they sit on their high horses and declare their devotion to factual truth, when in reality some of their own theories require a great deal of faith to accept.”
• “Evolution and creationism both require faith. It’s just a matter of where you choose to place that faith.”
• “It all boils down to your values. If your priority is to look good in front of people, your life will take a different direction than if your priority is to use the talents God has given you to make a positive difference in the world. Such values will influence what risks you choose to take.”
• “I honestly don’t regret a single time that I ever took a risk for my faith.”
• “Sometimes the conclusions we arrive at depend entirely on the suppositions we start with.”
• “Ask yourself a question, if there is a God, what is the risk of not believing in him versus believing in him? If there is no God, what is the risk of not believing in him versus believing in him? Ask yourself those questions tonight while you are in bed.”
• “Not believing in God doesn’t make you a bad person, just like believing in God doesn’t make me a good person.”
• “Greatness in any endeavor is often measured in terms of the risks a person faces.”
• “True greatness isn’t so much what you do as who you are.”
• “I have great concern about the terrible waste of our nation’s most precious resource – the minds of so many young people who may never reach their potential because they have neither the vision nor the encouragement required.”
• “Without faith and values by which to weigh the answers of our B/WAs, there is no way to conduct a valid or meaningful risk analysis. For it there is no right or wrong, there can be no best or worst.”
Five Stars
Overall, the book is a fantastic blend of stories, challenges, and practical applications for some of the most important aspect of our lives. I give it five stars, and whole-heartedly recommend reading the book and sharing it with a friend.
If you aren’t familiar with Dr. Carson, it won’t take long to understand how he has made my list of heroes. He grew up very poor, raised in Detroit with his brother by a single mom who couldn’t read. When his mother required her boys to read and report on two books a week, Ben went from the “dumbest kid in the class” to one of the brightest. He ended up going to Yale and eventually became a neurosurgeon. And since writing this book, he also ran for President.
In 1987, Dr. Carson actually became the first doctor in history to successfully separate craniopagus twins (conjoined at the head). Now, he’s a professor and director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
One can’t help but be encouraged and inspired by his remarkable story.
The Big Idea
Take the Risk is about the role of risk-taking in the process of decision making. In sharing his “Best/Worst Analysis” (B/WA), Dr. Carson offers a unique approach to uncertain or risky decisions, helping us consider various possibilities in a reasonable, logical manner.
He presents these four questions:
• What is the best thing that can happen if I do this?
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
• What is the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
Highlights
The two chapters on risk, as it pertains to science and faith in God, are worth getting the book for alone. Dr. Carson addresses the fact that atheists and theists alike, put their faith in a specific worldview in order to makes sense of life.
As a former Campus Minister, I especially appreciated Dr. Carson making mention of the risk he took while in college, making God and church a priority, even during finals week.
And as a new dad, I loved his chapter on risks involved in parenting. Sharing stories from his own family, Dr. Carson touches on challenging decisions like what sort of education you choose for your children; how to balance protecting and pushing our children; and the importance of empowering them to use wisdom.
Favorite Quotes
• “No matter what our professions, we will know risks. We have to use our brains to decide which ones are acceptable and how to approach them.”
• “God took the initial risk at creation by granting humankind free will to choose to believe and obey – or not.”
• “True scientists” often overlook many gaps in what they purport to be fact as they sit on their high horses and declare their devotion to factual truth, when in reality some of their own theories require a great deal of faith to accept.”
• “Evolution and creationism both require faith. It’s just a matter of where you choose to place that faith.”
• “It all boils down to your values. If your priority is to look good in front of people, your life will take a different direction than if your priority is to use the talents God has given you to make a positive difference in the world. Such values will influence what risks you choose to take.”
• “I honestly don’t regret a single time that I ever took a risk for my faith.”
• “Sometimes the conclusions we arrive at depend entirely on the suppositions we start with.”
• “Ask yourself a question, if there is a God, what is the risk of not believing in him versus believing in him? If there is no God, what is the risk of not believing in him versus believing in him? Ask yourself those questions tonight while you are in bed.”
• “Not believing in God doesn’t make you a bad person, just like believing in God doesn’t make me a good person.”
• “Greatness in any endeavor is often measured in terms of the risks a person faces.”
• “True greatness isn’t so much what you do as who you are.”
• “I have great concern about the terrible waste of our nation’s most precious resource – the minds of so many young people who may never reach their potential because they have neither the vision nor the encouragement required.”
• “Without faith and values by which to weigh the answers of our B/WAs, there is no way to conduct a valid or meaningful risk analysis. For it there is no right or wrong, there can be no best or worst.”
Five Stars
Overall, the book is a fantastic blend of stories, challenges, and practical applications for some of the most important aspect of our lives. I give it five stars, and whole-heartedly recommend reading the book and sharing it with a friend.
March 8, 2019
This was the first book I've read by Ben Carson and I am glad that it was. He has a very interesting story about how he went from rags to riches and I felt that it inspired me to reach for my dreams. His risk analysis is very practical and I feel that one can use it in almost every situation they encounter in life.
I feel like most of this book was about certain obstacles that he encountered throughout his life and how got through them. He was able to come to the right decisions by doing his risk analysis that he applied to problems in his work life and personal life.
While this was an interesting read, there were some problems and thought provoking issues that prompted me to write this review. A lot of his claims and statistics that he said had sources. One in particular struck emotion in me was the one where he said that 80% of 6th graders in the USA are not able to identify the USA on a world map. I work in education in the US and I do not think this is accurate at all. If he would have cited a source, I would have given him more credit but the fact that none of his book is cited makes me think that he just one day decided to sit down and write a book about risk no matter what came to his mind.
The last few chapters were also particularly controversial. He talked about a universal 10% tax on everyone and a society with no paper money. I would like to see him write a book about these theory and how it would work. I would like to hear more of this idea. That's all for now.
I feel like most of this book was about certain obstacles that he encountered throughout his life and how got through them. He was able to come to the right decisions by doing his risk analysis that he applied to problems in his work life and personal life.
While this was an interesting read, there were some problems and thought provoking issues that prompted me to write this review. A lot of his claims and statistics that he said had sources. One in particular struck emotion in me was the one where he said that 80% of 6th graders in the USA are not able to identify the USA on a world map. I work in education in the US and I do not think this is accurate at all. If he would have cited a source, I would have given him more credit but the fact that none of his book is cited makes me think that he just one day decided to sit down and write a book about risk no matter what came to his mind.
The last few chapters were also particularly controversial. He talked about a universal 10% tax on everyone and a society with no paper money. I would like to see him write a book about these theory and how it would work. I would like to hear more of this idea. That's all for now.
March 28, 2024
"Take the Risk" is a thought provoking book that emphasizes on the power of embracing risk, despite fear. Dr Ben Carson, in this book, showed the extraordinary achievements and personal growth that taking risks can lead to, using his own life experiences.
The book begins with Dr Carson criticizing our risk avoidant culture, where safety and security are often prioritized above anything else. The book provides wonderful examples that encourage readers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace risk, it also talks about some historical instances of risk-taking, the costs and rewards of risk, and strategies for assessing and accepting risks.
I found "Take the Risk" to be an enlightening read. Dr Carson's personal experiences including his experiences as a neurosurgeon creates a compelling narrative. The book taught me to confront my fears, embrace uncertainty and view risks as an opportunity to grow and take bolder steps both personally and professionally.
I'll recommend this book to individuals from all walks of life. Whether you're a teacher, a CEO, an aspiring entrepreneur, whether you aspire to achieve greatness in your career, pursue personal passions, the book will offer some encouragement, to embark on your own journey of self discovery and realize your full potential.
The book begins with Dr Carson criticizing our risk avoidant culture, where safety and security are often prioritized above anything else. The book provides wonderful examples that encourage readers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace risk, it also talks about some historical instances of risk-taking, the costs and rewards of risk, and strategies for assessing and accepting risks.
I found "Take the Risk" to be an enlightening read. Dr Carson's personal experiences including his experiences as a neurosurgeon creates a compelling narrative. The book taught me to confront my fears, embrace uncertainty and view risks as an opportunity to grow and take bolder steps both personally and professionally.
I'll recommend this book to individuals from all walks of life. Whether you're a teacher, a CEO, an aspiring entrepreneur, whether you aspire to achieve greatness in your career, pursue personal passions, the book will offer some encouragement, to embark on your own journey of self discovery and realize your full potential.
June 3, 2019
What I liked: I liked the section where he discussed evolution vs creationism, he put across very eloquently the assertion that believing in evolution requires faith as much as believing in creationism does. His work as a medical scientist is also pretty cool.
What I didn't like: his life seemed a little bit more like a load of lucky breaks than just sound risk analysis - he was given more opportunities than most and seized them, and his experiences are not representative of most people's (and so his applications of risk analysis are not foolproof). Also his risk analysis method seems a tad biased and/or oversimplified. You need also weigh the probability of the good or bad scenario playing out, and his analysis often included opportunity cost in the "worst thing that could happen if I don't take action" (eg i miss out on the chance to further a cause) but not opportunity gain in the "best thing that could happen if I don't take action" (eg avoid causing controversy). He also deems all choices/opportunities pursued to the end to be "risks", which I don't feel is necessarily true. Sometimes choices are just decisions and while they are complex, it doesn't quite entail the sense of "risk".
What I didn't like: his life seemed a little bit more like a load of lucky breaks than just sound risk analysis - he was given more opportunities than most and seized them, and his experiences are not representative of most people's (and so his applications of risk analysis are not foolproof). Also his risk analysis method seems a tad biased and/or oversimplified. You need also weigh the probability of the good or bad scenario playing out, and his analysis often included opportunity cost in the "worst thing that could happen if I don't take action" (eg i miss out on the chance to further a cause) but not opportunity gain in the "best thing that could happen if I don't take action" (eg avoid causing controversy). He also deems all choices/opportunities pursued to the end to be "risks", which I don't feel is necessarily true. Sometimes choices are just decisions and while they are complex, it doesn't quite entail the sense of "risk".
February 28, 2023
In the book Take the Risk the author Ben Carson highlights his process of assessing risk in everyday life. As a neurosurgeon, the risks that he is required to take are far more extreme than the ones that I face in my daily life but I found the process that he gave very insightful. He uses examples from his own life to address his message. I thoroughly enjoyed how Carson compared the risks that he took in his life to the risk of religions. Many times in society it is a topic that is rarely discussed. I found his insight to be rather thought provoking. Carson did a great job of taking an informational book that has the potential to be rather dry and he made it compelling. The only critique I have to give is that the ending of the book seemed really rushed to me. It was in the depths of his stories and then it was just over. I would recommend this book to anyone that is seeking a new perspective on the situations that life has to offer.
February 5, 2023
Reads more like an autobiography than an objective analysis. His level of risk analysis in saving babies (as a pre-eminent pediatric neuro-surgeon) held far heavier consequences than anything I have or ever will do. Good reading all the same about his trials and triumphs, including his failures. Through the stories about his life, he threads details about how his concept of risk-taking morphed and then he applies this analysis to theoretical concepts of how you and I (as the readers) can achieve the same. He had me until Chapter 16 and 17, where he tried to apply his risk model to the pervasive problems of our society. Personally, I felt he was scooting too far out on his limb. But he made cogent points throughout the rest of the book and I took a few pointers away from it all to use in my everyday life. Worth the read - if for nothing else then to read about the man.
January 22, 2020
Life is all about taking the risk. Ben Carson shared with us how we should learn to identify, choose, and live with the acceptable risk that we choose in our lives. Even though the genre is out of my comfort zone, it was very interesting and kept me engaged with it. I really liked how he went through everything and break it into small pieces, giving out real-life examples and data for us to understand what risk is and how to handle it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is afraid of taking a risk in their lives and trying to avoid it.
July 7, 2020
Pra ser sincero li o livro sem muitas expectativas de aprender com ele a lição proposta já na capa. Meu interesse se deu mais em função de ser estudante de medicina e um grande fan do doutor carson, então, estava mais em busca de relatos de experiências vividas por Ben Carson.
Atingi o objetivo de colher mais alguns relatos do Dr. Carson e, como esperado, no sentido da autoajuda é apenas mais do mesmo.
Atingi o objetivo de colher mais alguns relatos do Dr. Carson e, como esperado, no sentido da autoajuda é apenas mais do mesmo.
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