“And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all. ” (Alcoholics Anonymous p.565-566 ©A.A.W.S. reprinted by permission)
Why Alcoholics Anonymous is Anonymous by Bill W.
“…These hard-won lessons have made us entirely willing to undertake every personal sacrifice necessary for the preservation of our treasured Fellowship. This is why we see anonymity at the general public level as our chief protection against ourselves , the guardian of all our traditions, and the greatest symbol of self-sacrifice that we know…” (A.A. Comes of Age p.293 ©A.A.W.S. reprinted by permission)
The Importance of Anonymity: “At the level of press, television, radio, film and the Internet, anonymity stresses the equality in A.A. of all its members. It puts the brake on our easily inflatable egos, our misplaced conviction that violating our anonymity will help someone, and our desire for personal recognition or control. Most importantly, the Anonymity Tradition reminds us that it is the A.A. message, not the messenger, that counts.” (The AA Group pamphlet p.8, ©A.A.W.S. reprinted by permission)
Link to Understanding Anonymity on the AA.org website.
Link to Understanding Anonymity pamphlet 47
Link to Twelve and Twelve- Tradition 12
