Page 40 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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THERE IS A SOLUTION 19
tions we have found most effective. After such an ap­
proach many take up their beds and walk again.
None of us makes a sole vocation of this work, nor
do we think its effectiveness would be increased if we
did. We feel that elimination of our drinking is but
a beginning. A much more important demonstration
of our principles lies before us in our respective homes,
occupations and affairs. All of us spend much of our
spare time in the sort of effort which we are going to
describe. A few are fortunate enough to be so situated
that they can give nearly all their time to the work.
If we keep on the way we are going there is little
doubt that much good will result, but the surface of
the problem would hardly be scratched. Those of us
who live in large cities are overcome by the reflection
that close by hundreds are dropping into oblivion
every day. Many could recover if they had the oppor­
tunity we have enjoyed. How then shall we present
that which has been so freely given us?
We have concluded to publish an anonymous vol­
ume setting forth the problem as we see it. We shall
bring to the task our combined experience and knowl­
edge. This should suggest a useful program for any­
one concerned with a drinking problem.
Of necessity there will have to be discussion of
matters medical, psychiatric, social, and religious. We
are aware that these matters are, from their very na­
ture, controversial. Nothing would please us so much
as to write a book which would contain no basis for
contention or argument. We shall do our utmost to
achieve that ideal. Most of us sense that real tolerance
of other people’s shortcomings and viewpoints and a
respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us