May 1957

For Grown-ups Only Taking a moral inventory i s usually a vital part of our AA lives. How to do it-what to look for-varies from person to person. Dr. William C. Menninger in an article in “This past, one invariably finds the char- cere and humble and courteous, un- Week” magazine, answered the question, “How does one acter trait of humility. Maturity is less he has the wisdom to make the go about becoming mature?” with some hints we thought usually combined with modesty. I t right decisions and actions, to do worth passing along. Here they are, reprinted from is never resent in the smart-alecks, the right things at the right time, “This Week.” the knoG-it-alls, the self-appointed to give the correct guidance and saviours, nor the persons who know counsel when it is indicated, he the answers before they hear the does not get along with people. questions. 6. Charity: Maybe this is the PERSONALITY TRAITS,of course, equivocation. They are real all the 4. Courtesy: This means much most important attribute for any can’t be weighed or measured ex- way through. This is an essential more than just being thoughtful or personality. In its broadest interactly. Nevertheless we know there ingredient in getting along with polite to other people. It means tol- pretation it means the capacity to are certain important and desirable people. erance. I want to worship God in love. It implies the acceptance of qualities present in all normal, ma- 2. Personal Integrity: Perhaps any way and give my full approval the fact that we all have weaknessture, and well-adjusted people. this character trait of an individual to you to worship your God in your es; we all make mistakes. To be These qualities are real. They is not greatly different from sin- way; I have my eccentricities and able to get along with people recan be recognized in other people. cerity, because unless one is sin- peculiarities and I approve of your quires the charity of forgiveness. Knowing what they are, you can cere, he can’t have integrity. On the having yours. You are just as good Are you big enough to love your also in some degree look for them other hand, it does refer to very as I am, and I’ll respect your right neighbour as yourself? in your own personality. Here is special qualities of decency, hon- to speak your piece even if I don’t Take a good look at yourself for the list: esty, loyalty, fair play and honor. agree. This is courtesy i n i t s the presence or absence ,of these 1. Sincerity: Some people we An individual with real personal largest sense. Can you, under pres- qualities. That will help determine know-very few-always have their integrity has a deep sense of re- sure, remain gracious, considerate, how mature you are. And, speaking cards face up. We know where they sponsibility and dependability. He courteous? as a doctor, I can say that rnatur- I

stand and we know where we stand is sound. He keeps his promises. 5. Wisdom: There isn’t any es- ity is essential if you are to get with them. There is no sham, pre- He lives up to his commitments. cape from the fact that, even along with other people and be tense, hypocrisy, apple-polishing, 3. Humility: If one picks out the though an individual might be sin- truly happy and successful. uncertainty, show, arrogance or great leaders of the present or our

ates a second bush camp near camp because we sincerely want to Choiceland for minimum security be helped. We spend our time in the prisoners but the Holbein camp is evenings discussing our problems unique, since it was begun a year ago and learning about the AA philosspecifically for alcoholics. ophy. We have meetings twice a Jack explained that only during week. I don’t kid myself. It’s easy this last prison term in Prince Albert for me here. My real test comes in jail was he able to face the truth- November, when I have served my the fact that he was an alcoholic. He term and I’m free again.” became a member of Alcoholics Did he think he could do it? Jack Anonymous within the jail, and then considered the question for some moved with the twelve men to the time, answered with a quiet determi- Holbein camp. nation, “I would be foolish to say He said quietly, “You understand ‘Yes’ to that question. You know that you have to believe in a Higher that an AA faces life just one day at Power. I had to face the fact that on a time. I can only tell you this-I my own I was really licked. The either make it or 1’11 end up in the whole philosophy of AA is summed penitentiary for life. This is my up in our prayer, ‘God grant me the choice. It’s going to be hard, I know serenity to accept the things I cannot that. I can only tell you I’m going to change; the courage to change the to try as I have never tried in my things I can, and the wisdom to know life.” the difference.’ ” Was it difficult for him to finally The story of the other prisoners in accept the help of Alcoholics Anony- the camp, was a variation of the mous? He replied, “No, because I same theme-alcoholism and crime. was desperate for help. But also let But there was nothing depressing me be honest about it. It’s not diffi- about the atmosphere. Instead there cult here in this camp. All of us are was a feeling of hope and gratitude in the same boat. It’s easy to be a on the part of the men for a penal success here because we have no system which concentrated on reliquor temptations. We are all in this habilitation.