KNOW in Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions

Hence we are at pains to tell why we think our present faith is reasonable, why we think it more sane and logical to believe than not to believe, why we say our former thinking was soft and mushy when we threw up our hands in doubt and said, "We don't know."

... know a new freedom and a new ... BB p.83, Into Action

We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

... know a single line of our parts. 12&12 p.57, Step Five

It was as if we were actors on a stage, suddenly realizing that we did not know a single line of our parts.

10.

... know about anyhow. 12&12 p.55, Step Five

Then, for good measure, we add dramatic descriptions of that part of our drinking behavior which our friends probably know about anyhow.

11.

... know about his drinking, and that it ... BB p.141, To Employers

State that you know about his drinking, and that it must stop.

12.

... know about this sort of streamlining. 12&12 p.148, Tradition Four

They wrote the Foundation(*), A.A.'s headquarters in New York, wanting to know about this sort of streamlining.

13.

... know all about liquor as a social ... BB p.110, To Wives

We know all about liquor as a social lubricant.

14.

... know all about our drinking, and who ... 12&12 p.84, Step Nine

We shall at once think of a few people who know all about our drinking, and who have been most affected by it.

15.

... know all about the drinking game, commence ... BB p.91, Working With Others

When he sees you know all about the drinking game, commence to describe yourself as an alcoholic.

16.

... know and admit the truth about ourselves ... 12&12 p.59, Step Five

We'd have to have outside help if we were surely to know and admit the truth about ourselves -- the help of God and another human being.

17.

... know but few instances where we have ... BB p.73, Into Action

We know but few instances where we have given these doctors a fair break.

18.

... know, demands rigorous honesty. BB p.145, To Employers

In fact, he may say almost anything if he has accepted our solution which, as you know, demands rigorous honesty.

19.

... know Ed foregather, they exclaim, "What if ... 12&12 p.145, Tradition Three

Nowadays, when oldtimers who know Ed foregather, they exclaim, "What if we had actually succeeded in throwing Ed out for blasphemy?

20.

... know God's will for the person for ... 12&12 p.104, Step Eleven

Such prayers, of course, are fundamentally good acts, but often they are based upon a supposition that we know God's will for the person for whom we pray.

21.

... know had remarried. BB p.79, Into Action

A man we know had remarried.

22.

... know happiness, peace, and usefulness, in a ... BB p.8, Bill's Story

I was to know happiness, peace, and usefulness, in a way of life that is incredibly more wonderful as time passes.

23.

... know Him better. BB p.75, Into Action

We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better.

24.

... know how hard up you are, Bill. 12&12 p.137, Tradition Two

'We know how hard up you are, Bill.

25.

... know how he feels. BB p.45, We Agnostics

We know how he feels.

26.

... know how to begin? 12&12 p.99, Step Eleven

But what about the rest of us who, less fortunate, don't even know how to begin?

27.

... know how to get well, ah -- yes, ... BB p.154, A Vision For You

But what about his responsibilities -- his family and the men who would die because they would not know how to get well, ah -- yes, those other alcoholics?

28.

... know how to handle situations which used ... BB p.84, Into Action

We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.

29.

... know how to make progress in the ... 12&12 p.65, Step Six

He asks only that we try as best we know how to make progress in the building of character.

30.

... know how wrong thinking and action have ... 12&12 p.55, Step Five

If we have swept the searchlight of Step Four back and forth over our careers, and it has revealed in stark relief those experiences we'd rather not remember, if we have come to know how wrong thinking and action have hurt us and others, then the need to quit living by ourselves with those tormenting ghosts of yesterday gets more urgent than ever.

31.

... know how you got well. BB p.93, Working With Others

Even though your prot�g� may not have entirely admitted his condition, he has become very curious to know how you got well.

32.

... know I must get along without liquor, ... BB p.152, A Vision For You

I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I?

33.

... know if her husband's company insurance was ... BB p.137, To Employers

She wanted to know if her husband's company insurance was still in force.

34.

... know immediately what he was trying to ... 12&12 p.185, Tradition Twelve

As a rule, the average newcomer wanted his family to know immediately what he was trying to do.

35.

... know in every detail where we have ... 12&12 p.59, Step Five

If the Creator gave us our lives in the first place, then He must know in every detail where we have since gone wrong.

36.

... know, in my own particular case, that ... BB p.141, To Employers

I know, in my own particular case, that nothing my company could have done would have stopped me for, so long as I was able to hold my position, I could not possibly realize how serious my situation was.

37.

... know it. BB p.134, The Family Afterward

In time they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it.

38.

... know it anyway, whether we think so ... BB p.78, Into Action

Telling them what we are trying to do, we make no bones about our drinking; they usually know it anyway, whether we think so or not.

39.

... know, it is nowhere on the record ... 12&12 p.65, Step Six

So far as we know, it is nowhere on the record that God has completely removed from any human being all his natural drives.

40.

... know it -- this utter inability to leave ... BB p.34, More About Alcoholism

This is the baffling feature of alcoholism as we know it -- this utter inability to leave it alone, no matter how great the necessity or the wish.

41.

... know it would stop. 12&12 p.175, Tradition Nine

If nobody does the group's chores, if the area's telephone rings unanswered, if we do not reply to our mail, then A.A. as we know it would stop.

42.

... know little of where I went or ... BB p.41, More About Alcoholism

I know little of where I went or what I said and did.

43.

... know loneliness such as few do. BB p.152, A Vision For You

Then he will know loneliness such as few do.

44.

... know more about alcoholism. BB p.141, To Employers

You now know more about alcoholism.

45.

... know more of how to proceed from ... BB p.153, A Vision For You

You will want to know more of how to proceed from that point.

46.

... know more than ever I can't stop." BB p.157, A Vision For You

From what you tell me, I know more than ever I can't stop."

47.

... know nothing of alcoholism might be made ... BB p.131, The Family Afterward

New acquaintances who know nothing of alcoholism might be made and thoughtful considerations given their needs.

48.

... know of an A.A. member who was ... BB p.163, A Vision For You

We know of an A.A. member who was living in a large community.

49.

... know of it. BB p.120, To Wives

You need not remind him of his spiritual deficiency -- he will know of it.

50.

... know of many cases where this difficulty ... BB p.134, The Family Afterward

We do not know of many cases where this difficulty lasted long.

51.

... know of situations in which the alcoholic ... BB p.124, The Family Afterward

For example, we know of situations in which the alcoholic or his wife have had love affairs.

52.

... know only a little. BB p.164, A Vision For You

We realize we know only a little.

53.

... know or can learn. 12&12 p.65, Step Six

The key words "entirely ready" underline the fact that we want to aim at the very best we know or can learn.

54.

... know, or we depend upon them far ... 12&12 p.53, Step Four

Either we insist upon dominating the people we know, or we depend upon them far too much.

55.

... know our friend is like a boy ... BB p.152, A Vision For You

We know our friend is like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his spirits.

56.

... know peace. BB p.84, Into Action

We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.

57.

... know scores of cases who were of ... BB xxv(xxiii), The Doctor's Opinion

I personally know scores of cases who were of the type with whom other methods had failed completely.

58.

... know, should we tell her? BB p.81, Into Action

If we are sure our wife does not know, should we tell her?

59.

... know that God lovingly watches over us. 12&12 p.105, Step Eleven

We know that God lovingly watches over us.

60.

... know that he can stop if he ... BB p.116, To Wives

And now you know that he can stop if he will!

61.

... know that," he said. 12&12 p.159, Tradition Six

"I know that," he said.

62.

... know that here was haven at last. BB p.160, A Vision For You

The expression on the faces of the women, that indefinable something in the eyes of the men, the stimulating and electric atmosphere of the place, conspired to let him know that here was haven at last.

63.

... know that little good can come to ... 12&12 p.21, Step One

We know that little good can come to any alcoholic who joins A.A. unless he has first accepted his devastating weakness and all its consequences.

64.

... know that no real alcoholic ever recovers ... BB p.30, More About Alcoholism

We know that no real alcoholic ever recovers control.

65.

... know that our Society will perish if ... 12&12 p.177, Tradition Ten

In this respect, we do not enter into public controversy, because we know that our Society will perish if it does.

66.

... know that the pains of drinking had ... 12&12 p.94, Step Ten

How heartily we A.A.'s can agree with him, for we know that the pains of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity.

67.

... know that their compatibility at spiritual, mental, ... 12&12 p.119, Step Twelve

The prospective partners need to be solid A.A.'s and long enough acquainted to know that their compatibility at spiritual, mental, and emotional levels is a fact and not wishful thinking.

68.

... know that they must never drink. BB p.570(572), Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.

They know that they must never drink.

69.

... know that thousands of these sometimes frightening ... 12&12 p.140, Tradition Three

How could we know that thousands of these sometimes frightening people were to make astonishing recoveries and become our greatest workers and intimate friends?

70.

... know that when we turn to Him, ... 12&12 p.105, Step Eleven

We know that when we turn to Him, all will be well with us, here and hereafter.

71.

... know that while the alcoholic keeps away ... BB p.22, There Is A Solution

We know that while the alcoholic keeps away from drink, as he may do for months or years, he reacts much like other men.

72.

... know the difference. 12&12 p.41, Step Three

In all times of emotional disturbance or indecision, we can pause, ask for quiet, and in the stillness simply say: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

73.

... know the difference. 12&12 p.125, Step Twelve

God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference.

74.

... know the nature of his illness. BB p.115, To Wives

While you need not discuss your husband at length, you can quietly let your friends know the nature of his illness.

75.

... know the necessities before considering the result. BB p.140, To Employers

You, as a business man, want to know the necessities before considering the result.

76.

... know the problem. 12&12 p.157, Tradition Six

He'd certainly know the problem.

77.

... know the subject better, as everyone should ... BB p.112, To Wives

You think he ought to know the subject better, as everyone should have a clear understanding of the risk he takes if he drinks too much.

78.

... know them, the entire absence of profit ... BB xxvii(xxv), The Doctor's Opinion

The unselfishness of these men as we have come to know them, the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed inspiring to one who has labored long and wearily in this alcoholic field.

79.

... know there's a way out. 12&12 p.151, Tradition Five

Under these compulsions of self-preservation, duty, and love, it is not strange that our Society has concluded that it has but one high mission -- to carry the A.A. message to those who don't know there's a way out.

80.

... know there are difficult wives and families, ... BB p.127, The Family Afterward

We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so.

81.

... know these suggestions are sometimes difficult to ... BB p.111, To Wives

We know these suggestions are sometimes difficult to follow, but you will save many a heartbreak if you can succeed in observing them.

82.

... know they are not to change their ... BB p.102, Working With Others

Let your friends know they are not to change their habits on your account.

83.

... know this because we see monotony, pain, ... 12&12 p.112, Step Twelve

We know this because we see monotony, pain, and even calamity turned to good use by those who keep on trying to practice A.A.'s Twelve Steps.

84.

... know thousands of men and women who ... BB p.17, There Is A Solution

We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill.

85.

... know to be good for us. 12&12 p.105, Step Eleven

We should simply resume prayer as soon as we can, doing what we know to be good for us.

86.

... know we are sorry. BB p.78, Into Action

Arranging the best deal we can we let these people know we are sorry.

87.

... know we can seldom keep the precious ... 12&12 p.151, Tradition Five

It is the great paradox of A.A. that we know we can seldom keep the precious gift of sobriety unless we give it away.

88.

... know what it's all about, and that ... BB p.128, The Family Afterward

He may tell mother, who has been religious all her life, that she doesn't know what it's all about, and that she had better get his brand of spirituality while there is yet time.

89.

... know what it means to give of ... BB p.153, A Vision For You

Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life.

90.

... know what to tell the children. BB p.115, To Wives

You do not know what to tell the children.

91.

... know what's wrong.' 12&12 p.153, Tradition Five

But from what you've told me about yourself and your problems and how you propose to lick them, I think I know what's wrong.'

92.

... know what you are thinking. BB p.163, A Vision For You

We know what you are thinking.

93.

... know where he is and what he ... BB p.115, To Wives

Your desire to protect him should not cause you to lie to people when they have a right to know where he is and what he is doing.

94.

... know who the woman is and where ... BB p.81, Into Action

She will want to know who the woman is and where she is.

95.

... know why they do it. BB p.23, There Is A Solution

But in their hearts they really do not know why they do it.

96.

... know women who are unafraid, even happy ... BB p.111, To Wives

We know women who are unafraid, even happy under these conditions.

97.

... know women who have done it. BB p.114, To Wives

We know women who have done it.

98.

... know you are available if he wishes ... BB p.96, Working With Others

Let him know you are available if he wishes to make a decision and tell his story, but do not insist upon it if he prefers to consult someone else.

99.

... know you have no quarrel with the ... BB p.147, To Employers

You might let them know you have no quarrel with the alcoholics of your organization.

100.

... know you will not want to miss ... BB p.89, Working With Others

We know you will not want to miss it.

101.

... know your stuff all right, but I ... BB p.157, A Vision For You

You fellows know your stuff all right, but I don't see what good it'll do.

102.

... know you're telling me the truth. 12&12 p.26, Step Two

"Well," says the newcomer, "I know you're telling me the truth.

Passages from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are reprinted with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. The A.A. Preamble, copyright © The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., is reprinted with permission. Permission to reprint does not in any way imply affiliation with or endorsement by either Alcoholics Anonymous or The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.

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