"One of the things we were looking for in Schwemm lecturers waspeople who were outstanding in their particular profession but who also exhibit a high degree of moral and ethical character, who have made decisions that we could all learn from," said Paul Sorrentino, coordinator of religious advisors.
Growing up in inner-city Detroit, Carson faced innumerable hardships throughout his life but he used them to his advantage. "[Hardship] puts fire in your belly. It gives you that drive and determination not to go back," he said. Carson used this drive to accomplish his lifelong goal of attending medical school. "It's the only thing I ever wanted to do," he said. "The fire in my belly wouldn't let me quit."
Carson stressed the importance of dreaming. "A dream, I think, is really what keeps people going," he said. Although he admitted that a dream may not give all of the answers, it will at least provide a purpose in one's life.
Carson defined success as taking a talent and using it to improve the lives of others. Carson felt that he had finally met with true success after successfully separating the conjoined twins and bearing witness to the happiness of the people involved. He believes that every individual has the power of influence, and each should use that influence to encourage others and to bring about positive changes.
However, he also recognizes that people encounter negative influences. Carson explained that he sometimes uses the word PEERS as an acronym for People who Encourage ERrors and Stupidity. He then warned students of the possible negative influences of their peers.
Carson also focused on respect for others. He expressed his disapproval of using of the first amendment of the Constitution as an excuse to strip people of voicing their opinions and beliefs. He argued that there is no need for unanimity of thought and stressed the importance of having respect for others' beliefs.
Carson hopes that people will eventually learn to remain agreeable when they disagree. He noted that although the United States is founded on freedom of expression and freedom of thought, and although God is in the nation's documents and on every piece of currency, mention of God in public is still taboo. "In medicine, we call this schizophrenia," he joked.
He believes that the United States is the pinnacle of the world. However, he also believes that the United States is in a period of decline. He questioned whether it is possible for this country to learn from others and prevent its own deterioration.
Two factors that Carson believes are essential to this country's prominence in the world are diversity of citizens and a historical willingness to embrace people unlike themselves. "We all came from different boats but are all on the same boat now," he said. "If one part of the ship sinks, then the entire boat sinks."
Carson also stated that one of this generation's major goals should be to come up with ways to provide universal healthcare.
He suggested possible changes to the current healthcare system. Particularly, all billing and delivery of diagnoses could be done electronically, thus saving money. He also argued that healthcare needs to become a government priority.
Carson offered the audience some concise yet clear words of advice in an acronym: "Think Big."
The T represents talent: he encouraged individuals to cultivate and utilize their talents. H represents honesty: he believes that honesty is always the best policy with the least danger of complications. I stands for insight, and N represents nice: he encouraged everyone to be nice to one another. The K represents knowledge: he believes that knowledge is what makes everyone a better person.
B stands for books, important tools for gaining knowledge. The next I represents in-depth cleaning; he advised people not to be superficial. G stands for God: he believes that people should live according to godly principles and morals.
He concluded his lecture by challenging the audience to make a "Nice Pledge." He encouraged everyone to try to be nice to others, both friends and strangers, for an entire week.
"Whether one is considering a career in medicine or not, Dr. Carson's talk spoke to everyone. His personal story of overcoming poverty to become a phenomenal neurosurgeon, yet still remaining a spiritual and humble individual, was an inspiration to many students who attended the lecture," said Tamara Stewart '04.
"I thought he was outstanding ... I loved listening to him." said Sorrentino. "He's one of those rare speakers who you occasionally come across who you don't want to stop speaking. I think he was a fairly transparent speaker and he was honest about who he is with his flaws and strengths and it was very refreshing that way. I think he challenged all of us to take steps that will be good for other people even when they're costly to ourselves."