http://www.aa.org/en_pdfs/en_box459_febmar06.pdf"Origin of a Well-Known Quote" (Box 4-5-9 Feb/Mar 2006)
Many of us have heard that our co-founder Bill W. said, “If A.A. ever fails, it will be from within,” or words to that effect.
Actually, the quote is from the closing talk at the 1977 General Service Conference by Bob H., who served as G.S.O.’s general manager from 1968-1974. Excerpted here it is an interesting piece of A.A. history:
“. . . all of us are a part of the continuum of A.A. history. To some small degree, then, each of us is responsible for A.A.’s future.
Some of us, sometimes, are fearful of that future. We fear lest this development, or that problem, may destroy us all. Fear not, my friends. If this Fellowship ever falters, it won’t be because of ‘two-hatters,’ of professionals in the field. Nor will it be caused by future ‘Rand-type’ reports, or by members with ‘other’ problems. No, it won’t be because of any of these things about which we seem to worry so much.
If we ever fail, it will be simply because of us. It will be because we can’t control our own egos, nor get along well enough with each other. It will be because we’re just not wise enough nor good enough to hold this thing together. It will be because we think too much about our ‘rights,’ and too little about our obligations and responsibilities.
But I don’t think we’re going to fall apart. I think we are going to stick together and keep A.A. strong and growing.”
Tommy
