On A Meaningful Life
Never Give Up – How to Live a Meaningful Life
As the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Ben Carson, 57, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his efforts to help America’s youth fulfill their potential.
Dr. Carson shares his philosophy of what he believes creates a successful—and meaningful—life through the acronym THINK BIG. He instills his message in the students awarded the Carson Scholars Fund scholarships, but says that these ideas can be useful to anyone, from any walk of life or any age.
Talent and time. Recognize them as gifts.
Hope for good things and be honest.
Insight from people and good books.
Be Nice to all people.
Knowledge: Recognize it as the key to living.
Books: Read them actively.
In-depth learning skills: Develop them.
God. Everyone has their own beliefs. When you THINK BIG, what does the “G” stand for in your life?
On Laughter
“When I was a kid I got no respect. The time I was kidnapped, and the kidnappers sent my parents a note they said, ‘We want five thousand dollars or you’ll see your kid again.”
Rodney Dangerfield
“There is little success where there is little laughter.”
Andrew Carnegie
On Attitude
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”
Maori Proverb
On Learning
“Anyone who stops learning is old. Anyone who keeps learning and updating his knowledge stays young for ever.”
Henry Ford
On Success
“ There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It’s up to you to decide what to do with them.”
Jim Valvano
Elysian Waters 