A
wildly imaginative dianoetic rambling concerning the the “basic
text” of Alcoholics Anonymous (viz. the Big Book) (our comments in
red print)
“FOREWORD
TO FIRST EDITION
This
is the Foreword as it appeared in the first printing of the first
edition in 1939.
We,
of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women
who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body
[Note:
This statement merely represented a 'snap shot' of the estimated
'membership' at that time. In some quarters much is sometimes made
of the fact that a number of these individuals (the figures vary)
subsequently relapsed. But no claim is being made here that any of
them were permanently 'cured' – only recovered – or recovering if
you prefer ie. they're not drinking and they don't fancy the idea
either!. 'Recovered' does NOT imply permanence. After all, recovery
is 'just for today'!). To show other alcoholics
precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this
book [But this does not imply that anyone has
to follow their example precisely.
Moreover since clearly the programme in its present form did not
exist prior to the publication of the book it is impossible that any
of the aforementioned alcoholics could have applied its principles as
subsequently delineated. How could they? Most would have had some
knowledge of the Oxford Group and its principles but otherwise would
have approached their own recovery in a largely idiosyncratic manner
– much as members still do today.]. For them, we hope these
pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be
necessary. We think this account of our experiences will help
everyone to better understand the alcoholic. Many do not comprehend
that the alcoholic is a very sick person. And besides, we are sure
that our way of living has its advantages for all.
It
is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at
present to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which
may result
from
this publication. Being mostly business or professional folk, we
could not well carry on our occupations in such an event. We would
like it understood that
our alcoholic work is an avocation. [ie.
a hobby, spare time activity, interest - not full time, paid
employment or a profession]
When
writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our
Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as
“a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.” [see
above – also helps avoid that other dreadful disease - big
shotism!]
Very
earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for
otherwise we shall be greatly handicapped.
We
are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word. There
are no fees or dues whatsoever. [It's free
– apart from any voluntary
contributions towards rent etc] The only requirement for
membership is an honest desire to stop drinking. We are not
allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we
oppose anyone [So
why is the Lord's Prayer (Christian) used in some meetings? And for
that matter why are some groups calling themselves atheist or
agnostic etc. The latter are simply the reverse side of the
religious coin ie. yet another belief – or non-belief - system].
We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.
We
shall be interested to hear from those who are getting results from
this book, particularly from those who have commenced work with
other alcoholics. We should like to be helpful to such cases.
Inquiry
by scientific, medical, and religious societies will be welcomed.
Alcoholics
Anonymous.”
(our
emphases)
Additional
comment: It's worth noting the qualification above: an “honest
desire”. Using this expression with reference to oneself in a
meeting is guaranteed to ensure that everyone else present feels a
fraud! Similarly introducing yourself as a 'grateful
recovering (or even better 'recovered' but with particular emphasis
on the word 'grateful') alcoholic' induces in others the
uncomfortable sense that they're somehow deficient in this area.
It's always useful to maintain a psychological lead when it comes to
the 'sobriety stakes'!
The
invitation to submit feedback on the effectiveness of the AA message
transmitted via this medium (ie. the written word) suggests the
author(s) were not entirely convinced of its efficacy, which itself
intimates a healthy open-mindedness, if not humility, on their part.
Again
it's interesting to observe the repetition of the expression “wish
to be helpful” or “like to be helpful”. There is nothing here
to suggest that we're out to convert anyone to our point of view. If
you don't fancy what we've got to offer - no problem! Such an
unintrusive, non-dogmatic stance helps to make AA both more
attractive and more inclusive. The converse, of course, has entirely
the reverse effect. Kindly take note cult members!
Finally
we're not afraid of a bit of scrutiny on the part of the
'establishment'. Why should we be!
Coming
next –
Foreword to Second Edition
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
Caution:
This curse (sorry!!) COURSE is not to be taken as AUTHORITATIVE nor
is it to be regarded as DEFINITIVE in any way. Anyone found to be
according it any undue status will be reported to the appropriate
authorities (ie. GSO York or whoever) who will then do ….
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! (quite rightly too we say!). Moreover any person
discovered to be quoting from the aforementioned course will be
TERMINATED with extreme prejudice!
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