Humility

Humility in 12 Step Programmes

AA Definition of Humility

Another great dividend we may expect from confiding our defects to another human being is humility---a word often misunderstood.

To those who have made progress in A.A., it amounts to a clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be.

Therefore, our first practical move toward humility must consist of recognizing our deficiencies.

From 12 & 12. Pg. 58,
reproduced with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous

Dr Bob's definition of Humility

Dr Bob, one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, had a plaque on his desk defining humility:

Perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore. To wonder at nothing that is done to me. To feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. To have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret, and be at peace. As in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and about is seeming trouble.

From pg 222, "Dr Bob and the Good Oldtimers",
reproduced with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Service

Humility- As heard in an AA Meeting

Humility is not thinking less about myself.

It is about thinking about myself less.