Rule 62: Don’t Take Yourself So Da*n Seriously — George

About This Speaker Tape

George provides a detailed exploration of the Third and Fourth Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on the tension between inclusivity and group autonomy. He emphasizes that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking, arguing that any additional rules or prejudices—whether based on race, professional status, or other addictions—threaten the unity of the fellowship. He reflects on his own early days of recovery, noting that he arrived with a half-hearted desire and was grateful that the doors remained open to him regardless of his appearance or background.

Moving into the Fourth Tradition, George discusses the concept of autonomy, explaining that groups are self-governing but must remain mindful of their impact on AA as a whole. He shares historical anecdotes, including the story of a group in Middletown that created 61 rules only to fail spectacularly, leading to the famous Rule 62: Don't take yourself so damn seriously. He also highlights the history of special interest groups, such as women's and prison groups, as a practical application of the Third Tradition.

Ultimately, George frames the recovery experience as a transition from the authority of pain (alcohol) to the authority of love (a Higher Power). He argues that the freedom found in the Traditions allows individuals to find the specific 'flavor' of meeting that works for them while remaining anchored in the primary purpose of staying sober and helping others.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction and review of the long form of the Third Tradition regarding membership
• 5:15 Discussion on the inclusivity of AA and the danger of imposing membership requirements
• 8:40 Explanation of the Fourth Tradition and the concept of group autonomy
• 13:45 The story of the Middletown group and the origin of Rule 62
• 16:30 History of special interest groups, including women's and prison meetings
• 21:10 Origins of AA meetings breaking away from the Oxford Group
• 25:40 The relationship between freedom, accountability, and the two authorities of pain and love
• 31:20 Closing thoughts on the balance between the Third and Fourth Traditions