1
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know one hundred men who were once just as hopeless as Bill.
2-6
All have recoverd. They have solved the drink problem. We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, and social, religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix.
If these seemingly hopeless alcoholics have recovered, are we so different that it won't work for us? Our pride and self-pity makes us feel different and unique. This solution has worked for millions of people. It will also work for us.
Nothing in our background positions, achievements, or social standing disqualifies us from being alcoholic.
10
The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us.
Imagine what the results would be if, having shared our common peril, we all discovered separate solutions. We would go our separate ways like the survivors of a shipwreck. At meetings we disclose our stories in a general way so that new peole can see themselves in us, then we tell what happened, how we found the solution, and what the results have been.
12-14
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer alcoholism.
AA at one time adopted a logo. A circle and a triangle within a circle. The circle represented the entire fellowship of AA. The foundation of the triangle represented recovery while the other two sides represented unity and service are the three legacies of AA. Finding that protecting its ownership of this symbol was becoming a distraction from AA's primary purpose of carrying the message of recovery, AA decided to discontinue its use.
Source:
The Annotated AA Handbook
a companion to the Big Book
Frank D.