Why the Big Book Is a Text, Not a Novel – Gene D.

About This Speaker Tape

Gene D. - 8 Great Topics - The 5th Chapter of the Big Book of Alcohlics Anonymous -

Gene D. dismantles the common habit of zoning out during the reading of Chapter 5 'How It Works,' arguing that the text is a continuous source of learning rather than a novel to be read once. He maps out the necessity of rigorous honesty admitting that he'd rather be a sober card-cheat than a saint but acknowledging that certain environments—like harness racing—are triggers that must be abandoned. Through a mix of gritty anecdotes about the Logan Square group's 'hard nose' approach and a story about a black police officer struggling with identity Gene makes the case that sobriety requires a thorough fearless application of the program stripped of the ego and the 'half measures' of trying to drink moderately or hang out in saloons with a 7-Up.

Topics

Timestamps

• 2:15 Gene discusses the 40th anniversary of AA in Denver and the early days of the program.
• 6:40 Reading of the foreword to the first edition of the Big Book.
• 11:20 Laughter: Gene describes his own distractions during the reading of Chapter 5.
• 14:10 Story about the 'hard nose' Logan Square group and the importance of identification.
• 17:45 Analysis of the first sentence of Chapter 5: 'Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.'
• 21:15 Discussion on the necessity of rigorous honesty and the fear of being exposed.
• 25:30 Story about a black police officer and the 'Hawaiian shirt' moment.
• 29:10 Gene discusses 'half measures' and the danger of old ideas.
• 32:45 Gene's admission about card-cheating and the difference between being a saint and being sober.
• 35:10 Closing thoughts on the belief that no human power can relieve alcoholism.