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Jfanagle · 09-15-2008, 06:09 PM

ATTITUDE: behavior representative of feeling or conviction b: a disposition that is primarily grounded in affect and emotion and is expressive of opinions rather than belief.

You are correct when you say it is an ATTITUDE. By definition that precludes that it is "written in stone." I have been around the program for awhile and the Big Book is simply a guide to sober living and is based on the experiences of the FIRST 100 men and 1 woman that made up the beginnings of AA. (Not written by "two drunks"). It is these experiences that provide a "simple program" for those who want to get sober. I believe that the idea that one drinks until he or she is done, is intended to convey the idea that "until one is READY" to get sober the chances of success are minimal. As with most things in life, to use one statement or even one word to portray the intent of its authors is unfair at best.

This book or any other should be examined in it's totality in order to determine the message that the authors bring to the reader. If after reading a book you find the message lacking for your needs, then by all means find a book that more closely fits your requirements.

The oft quoted phrase from AA sums it up nicely: "AA isn't for those who need it, but rather for those that want it." It has been a nice fit for me these past 9 years.

Jon

09-15-2008, 06:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jfanagle Another Day in Paradise Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 702	ATTITUDE: behavior representative of feeling or conviction b: a disposition that is primarily grounded in affect and emotion and is expressive of opinions rather than belief. You are correct when you say it is an ATTITUDE. By definition that precludes that it is "written in stone." I have been around the program for awhile and the Big Book is simply a guide to sober living and is based on the experiences of the FIRST 100 men and 1 woman that made up the beginnings of AA. (Not written by "two drunks"). It is these experiences that provide a "simple program" for those who want to get sober. I believe that the idea that one drinks until he or she is done, is intended to convey the idea that "until one is READY" to get sober the chances of success are minimal. As with most things in life, to use one statement or even one word to portray the intent of its authors is unfair at best. This book or any other should be examined in it's totality in order to determine the message that the authors bring to the reader. If after reading a book you find the message lacking for your needs, then by all means find a book that more closely fits your requirements. The oft quoted phrase from AA sums it up nicely: "AA isn't for those who need it, but rather for those that want it." It has been a nice fit for me these past 9 years. Jon __________________ Indecision may or may not be my problem!