Chapter 34

Perhaps my greatest antithetical observation in recovery is this: With honest resolution, some well-intentioned people still have a propensity to fragment reality into an endless series of “either-ors;” they think the world to be abstruse. (i.e.: you can’t have your cake and eat it too). I suggest rather than succumbing to the tyranny of “either-or;” the wise will fastidiously embrace the genius of “and.”

Recovery can be a huge, yet selective tent of loving tolerance of differences in thoughtful creativity. I do not mean to suggest fundamental changes of course, but rather advocate open-mindedness toward those with unusual mental capacities. Everyone seems eager and quick to listen to foolishness, why not offer deference to those with cerebral acumen? (ie: don’t make ugly comments to smart people and push them away, this hurts their recovery just like anyone else)

There is no need to exude copacetic, passionate intensity in the wrong area (i.e.: don’t worry about the wrong thing). For, in this line of reasoning, we may find that unanticipated innocence can be drowned in a sea of forgetfulness. We must also not push away unexpected wisdom if and when it is offered; but rather, examine the ideas closely. Though I must acquiesce, all matters involving complication do not share equal nobility (i.e.: when everyone yells “fire!” it is best not to quibble over the definition of “smoke”).

Should we then effortlessly accept unfamiliar philosophy with dogmatism or relativism? Well, the question is both simple and complicated, and the answer is both yes and no. However incongruous this may seem at first, ALL matters upon closer examination need proper balancing. (ie: don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater) Consider this example of proper balancing: We should reject moral relativism, as decency and morality are based on concrete spiritual laws; but we should affably accept other people lovingly as they are, dogmatically. The only change we should help reinforce or encourage in others is closer adherence to the moral law (in AA, this is known as doing a “daily moral inventory”).