Think Big by Cecil B. Murphey Summary

Think Big by Ben Carson and Cecil Murphey is a motivational guide blending Carson’s journey from poverty to neurosurgery fame with actionable principles for personal growth. It introduces the THINK BIG acronym (Talent, Honesty, Insight, Nice, Knowledge, etc.), teaching readers to overcome adversity, embrace faith, and cultivate resilience. The book emphasizes self-belief, education, and integrity as keys to unlocking potential.

This book suits anyone seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles, particularly students, professionals facing setbacks, or individuals pursuing self-improvement. Its blend of autobiography and practical advice appeals to fans of motivational memoirs like Gifted Hands (also co-authored by Murphey) and those interested in success frameworks rooted in faith and perseverance.

The THINK BIG framework includes:

• Talent: Recognize and nurture innate abilities.
• Honesty: Practice integrity and self-reflection.
• Insight: Learn from experiences to make informed decisions.
• Nice: Build relationships through kindness.
• Knowledge: Pursue education relentlessly.

These principles are illustrated through Carson’s career milestones and personal challenges.

Carson shares his rise from Detroit’s inner city, detailing how poverty, racial barriers, and a volatile temper threatened his future. The book stresses resilience through faith, mentorship, and incremental goal-setting, arguing that obstacles can fuel growth when approached with discipline and optimism.

Faith is central to Carson’s philosophy, framed as essential for finding purpose and humility. He credits prayer and biblical teachings for guiding his decisions, such as pioneering complex surgeries. The book encourages readers to seek spiritual grounding alongside practical effort.

Unlike generic advice, Think Big combines Carson’s medical achievements with co-author Cecil Murphey’s storytelling. It parallels Atomic Habits in advocating incremental growth but stands out with its faith-based angle and autobiographical depth, offering a unique blend of memoir and strategy.

Some reviewers argue the book oversimplifies success by attributing it largely to individual effort, downplaying systemic barriers. Others find its religious focus limiting for secular audiences. However, its accessible storytelling and actionable steps remain widely praised.

• “Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them.”
• “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time.”

These lines underscore the book’s themes of perseverance and holistic growth.

Carson advises:

1. Identify and refine your core skills (Talent).
2. Build trust through ethical decisions (Honesty).
3. Seek mentors and learn from failures (Insight).
4. Network authentically (Nice).
5. Continuously upskill (Knowledge).

Yes—the book credits Carson’s academic turnaround to his mother’s insistence on reading and library visits. It frames education as a lifelong tool for breaking cycles of disadvantage, urging readers to prioritize learning regardless of age or background.

In an era of rapid technological change, the book’s focus on adaptability, continuous learning, and emotional resilience resonates. Its anti-cynicism message addresses modern mental health challenges, offering timeless strategies for personal and professional reinvention.

Cecil Murphey co-authored Carson’s earlier memoir Gifted Hands, which delves deeper into his medical career. For broader self-help context, readers might pair Think Big with Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Carol Dweck’s Mindset.