December 14

December 14 – AM          Page xiii-xiv, Foreword to First Edition (1939)

We are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word.  There are no fees or dues whatsoever.  The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking.  We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone.  We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.
We shall be interested to hear from those who are getting results from this book, particularly from those who have commenced work with other alcoholics.  We should like to be helpful to such cases.
Inquiry by scientific, medical, and religious societies will be welcomed.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS.

December 14 – PM          Page 69, How It Works, Chapter 5

We reviewed our own conduct over the years past.  Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate?  Whom had we hurt?  Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness?  Where were we at fault, what should we have done instead?  We got this all down on paper and looked at it.
In this way  we tried to shape a sane and sound ideal for our future sex life.  We subjected each relation to this test—was it selfish or not?  We asked God to mold our ideals and help us live up to them.  We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given and therefore good, neither to be used lightly or selfishly nor to be despised and loathed.