Big Book Text/Traditions (short form)
The AA Traditions were formulated several years after the Big Book was first published. However, the core of several Traditions can be found within the Big Book itself. |
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“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.”
“Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on A.A. Unity”
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“The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking.”
“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.”
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"To show other alcoholics precisely how we recovered is the main purpose of this book."
"Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
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"We would like it understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation."
"None of us makes a sole vocation of this work, nor do we think its effectiveness would be increased if we did.”
“Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.”
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“We are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word.”
“A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.”
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"We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone."
"Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
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“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.’
“Very earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for otherwise we shall be greatly handicapped.”
“Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.”
"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."
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Page 17, There is a Solution
Tradition One
Foreword to the First Edition
Tradition Three
Foreword to the First Edition
Tradition Five
Foreword to the First Edition
Page 19, There is a Solution
Tradition Eight
Foreword to the First Edition
Tradition Nine
Foreword to the First Edition
Tradition Ten
Foreword to the First Edition
Tradition Eleven
tradition Twelve