Attitudes that make us more useful to others

[nandm]

A great point was brought up in another thread regarding recent hostility, disagreements, and bashing of others ideas and opinions. The thread reminds us of the seriousness of this disease and how non productive the recent hostility has been.

I myself need the reminder at times and am grateful for the opportunity to revisit the topic. There is a short passage in the Big Book concerning our attitude and usefulness to others. Page 19, line 15 -18; page 20 line 1

We are aware that these matters are, from their very nature, 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 a real tolerance of other people's shortcomings and viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us more useful to others. Our very lives, as ex-alcholics, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.