p. 241

"In some sections of AA., anonymity is carried to the point of real absurdity.  Members are on such a poor basis of communication that they don't even know each other's last names or where each lives.  It's like the cell of an underground.

"In other sections, we see exactly the reverse.  It is difficult to restrain A.A.'s from shouting too much before the whole public, by going on spectacular 'lecture tours' to play the big shot.

"However, I know that from these extremes we slowly pull ourselves onto a middle ground.  Most lecture-giving members do not last too long, and the superanonymous people are apt to come out of hiding respecting their A.A. friends, business associates, and the like.  I think the long-time trend is toward the middle of the road -- which is probably where we should be."


LETTER, 1959