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“When things go well, we must never fall into the error of believing that no great ill can befall us. Nor should we accuse ourselves of ‘negative thinking’ when we insist on facing the destructive forces in and around us, both realistically and effectively. Vigilance will always be the price of survival.”

“Life is travel -- enjoy the journey, bumpy roads and all.”

“I am responsible for reporting for duty and making the effort to overcome adversity, and in so doing to overcome myself.”

“The language of AA is the language of self-discovery, of speculation, of wonder. It has a dual reality: While it describes experience, it also creates experience, and allows each member to grow in the search for personal meaning.”

“We shall always have to deal with the fearful forces which are released when the human ego runs amok -- the same forces that are shattering the world of our time. Deliver us from temptation must therefore continue to be a prime ingredient of our every attitude, practice, and prayer.”

“By helping to insure the sobriety of others to come, we insure our own sobriety today.”

“Sincerity of purpose, humility in the knowledge of our own power to help, and confidence in our understanding of our capacities in AA are likely to help in working with others.”

“I try to accept reality instead of trying to control it. When I make that adjustment, the struggle ends.”

“Genuine peace will always be a chief ingredient of AA’s freedom. But let none suppose that we shrink from major conflict only because we are afraid. Nowadays we believe we keep the peace because we love each other.”

“Perhaps for some, ‘How It Work’ has become a tired, overworked bit of dogma, an opportunity to daydream. But not for this alcoholic. I get more out of those words with each passing day. The words don’t change, but I do.”

“I didn’t need to learn how to meditate before meditating. It turned out to be one of those learn-as-you-go things -- just as learning how to stay sober is part of staying sober a day at a time.”

“Nothing improves if you drink.”

“Up to now AA seems to have taken the right turning at each new crossroad. This could scarcely have been our doing alone. Our Fellowship has afforded a convincing proof of that wise old adage which declares that ‘man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.’”

“I am finally learning really to live one day at a time and to appreciate and be alert to the beautiful, marvel-filled, albeit sometimes infuriating world around me.”

“We well know that our defects, as people and as a Society, have been and still are very great. And we hope that we shall never cease to rededicate ourselves to their correction.”