In the second appendix of the book (
Alcoholics Anonymous
p. 570 third edition) Bill Wilson identifies open-mindedness as one of three essentials of recovery.
However, in the context of the message he delivers throughout the book, it seems that his idea of open-mindedness is coming to believe the way he believes, and that it's OK to then let your mind slam shut again.
Ironically, one of the most valuable passages in the iconic section of the book known as "How it Works" (
p. 58-60) is his pointing out the value of "letting go of old ideas."
The Tao of Sobriety
is an exploration of the juxtaposition of those two seemingly contrasting concepts. Not just accepting new ideas, nor abandoning old ideas, but finding the willingness to question all ideas. The result of that is the incredible freedom of a radically altered perception and perspective of the world.
"Wes Layne has no quarrel with those who find comfort in the 'Big Book, ' often treated as word-for-word divine scripture by traditionalists; nor does he take issue with Christian theology. He merely offers a clear-eyed examination of those themes in the 'Big Book' that can bring confusion to a Westerner like me who intuits a truth-a reality beyond the confines of a fundamentally biblical, religious culture." -
Matt H. Las Vegas NV