“Therefore, the first portion of this volume, describing the A.A. recovery program, has been left largely untouched in the course of revisions made for the second, third, and fourth editions.”
That first portion of the volume contains the following quotations about selfishness. These should make it clear what the AA programme has to say about the matter:
“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.”
“Selfish and inconsiderate habits have kept the home in turmoil.”
“We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.”
“Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them.”
“We reviewed our own conduct over the years past. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate?”
“We subjected each relation to this test—was it selfish or not?”
“We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.”
“Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear.”
“When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology?”
“We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends.”
“To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self-sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.”
“He is not likely to get far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof.”