Aa history Lovers 2004 moderators Nancy Olson and Glenn F. Chesnut page

religion or patriotic institutions)--would thrive. Nevertheless, all

industrious individuals, Spencer believed, would end up being in fundamental

agreement.

Not surprisingly, then, Spencer maintained that the arguments of the early

utilitarians on the justification of law and authority and on the origin of

rights were fallacious. He also rejected utilitarianism and its model of

distributive justice because he held that it rested on an egalitarianism

that ignored desert and, more fundamentally, biological need and efficiency.

Spencer further maintained that the utilitarian account of the law and the

state was also inconsistent---that it tacitly assumed the existence of

claims or rights that have both moral and legal weight independently of the

positive law. And, finally, Spencer argues as well against parliamentary,

representative government, seeing it as exhibiting a virtual "divine

right"---i.e., claiming that "the majority in an assembly has power that has

no bounds." Spencer maintained that government action requires not only

individual consent, but that the model for political association should be

that of a "joint stock company", where the 'directors' can never act for a

certain good except on the explicit wishes of its 'shareholders'. When

parliaments attempt to do more than protect the rights of their citizens by,

for example, 'imposing' a conception of the good--be it only on a

minority--Spencer suggested that they are no different from tyrannies.

Assessment

Spencer has been frequently accused of inconsistency; one finds variations

in his conclusions concerning land nationalization and reform, the rights of

children and the extension of suffrage to women, and the role of government.

Moreover, in recent studies of Spencer's theory of social justice, there is

some debate whether justice is based primarily on desert or on entitlement,

whether the 'law of equal freedom' is a moral imperative or a descriptive

natural law, and whether the law of equal freedom is grounded on rights,

utility, or, ultimately, on 'moral sense'. Nevertheless, Spencer's work has

frequently been seen as a model for later 'libertarian' thinkers, such as

Robert Nozick, and he continues to be read--and is often invoked--by

'libertarians' on issues concerning the function of government and the

fundamental character of individual rights.

Bibliography

Primary Sources:

The Proper Sphere of Government. London: W. Brittain, 1843.

Social Statics. London: Chapman, 1851.

The Principles of Psychology. London: Longmans, 1855; 2nd edn., 2 vols.

London: Williams and Norgate, 1870-2; 3rd edn., 2 vols. (1890). [A System of

Synthetic Philosophy ; v. 4-5]

First Principles. London: Williams and Norgate, 1862; 6th edn., revised,

1904. [A system of Synthetic Philosophy ; v. 1]

Principles of Biology, 2 vols. London: Williams and Norgate, 1864, 1867; 2nd

edn., 1898-99).[A System of Synthetic Philosophy ; v. 2-3]

The Study of Sociology. New York: D. Appleton, 1874, [c1873]

The Principles of Sociology. 3 vols. London : Williams and Norgate,

1882-1898. [A System of Synthetic Philosophy, v. 6-8] CONTENTS: Vol. 1: pt.

1. The data of sociology. pt. 2. The inductions of sociology. pt. 3. The

domestic relations; Vol. 2: pt. 4. Ceremonial institutions. pt. 5. Political

institutions; v. 3: pt. 6. Ecclesiastical institutions. pt. 7. Professional

institutions. pt. 8. Industrial institutions.]

The Man versus the State: containing "The new Toryism," "The coming

slavery," "The sins of legislators," and "The great political superstition,"

London : Williams & Norgate, 1884; with additional essays and an

introduction by Albert Jay Nock. [adds "From freedom to bondage," and "Over-

legislation"] Intro. A.J. Nock. Caldwell, ID: Caxton, 1940.

Spencer, Herbert. The Factors of Organic Evolution. London: Williams and

Norgate, 1887.

Spencer, Herbert. The Principles of Ethics. 2 vols. London: Williams and

Northgate, 1892. [A system of synthetic philosophy ; v. 9-10]

An Autobiography. 2 v. London: Williams and Norgate, 1904.

Secondary Sources:

Andreski, S. Herbert Spencer: Structure, Function and Evolution. London,

1972.

Methuen, 1908.

Gray, T.S. The Political Philosophy of Herbert Spencer, Aldershot: Avebury,

1996.

Biological and Social Theory. Brighton, 1980.

Kennedy, James G. Herbert Spencer. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1978.

Miller, David. Social Justice. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1976. Ch. 6

Paxton, N.L. George Eliot and Herbert Spencer: Feminism, Evolutionism, and

the Reconstruction of Gender. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press,

1991.

Peel, J.D.Y. Herbert Spencer: The Evolution of a Sociologist. London, 1971.

Political Philosophy of Mr Herbert Spencer, J.S. Mill and T.H. Green.

London: Swan Sonnenschein, 1891.

Taylor, M.W. Men versus the State: Herbert Spencer and late Victorian

Liberalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992.

Wiltshire, David. The Social and Political Thought of Herbert Spencer. New

York: Oxford, 1978.

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++++Message 1687. . . . . . . . . . . . Living Sober

From: Joanna Whitney . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/3/2004 9:30:00 AM

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Hi Group -- I am newly returning after a long stay away and glad to see you are all still here. I am really curious about the origins of the publication Living Sober and what conference approved it. Anybody?

Thanks, Joanna

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++++Message 1688. . . . . . . . . . . . AA Literature at Unity retreats

From: victoria callaway . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/3/2004 9:20:00 AM

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Can anyone clarify if some piece of AA literature was written at a

Nity Village retreat and what piece that is. this remark was made at

a meeting my sponsor was at and she wanted me to find out. Thanks

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++++Message 1689. . . . . . . . . . . . Significant March dates in AA History - Revised

From: NMOlson@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/3/2004 6:51:00 AM

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Thanks to the two eagle-eyed members who spotted

errors in the original list posted March 1. One

of these days I'll get it right the first time.

Nancy

March 1:

article on AA.

1941 - Saturday Evening Post article by Jack

Alexander created national sensation. AA

membership quadrupled in one year from 2000 to

8000.

1947 - Nell Wing, Bill's secretary and first

archivist of AA, began her career at Alcoholic

Foundation Office.

March 4:

1891 - Lois Wilson was born.

March 5:

1945 - Time Magazine reported Detroit radio

broadcasts of AA members.

March 9:

who wanted to form a group in Wichita, Kansas.

March 11:

1947 - A Priest in St. Paul, Minnesota, founded

Calix International. Alcoholics in his parish

met after Saturday morning Mass to discuss the

readings for the upcoming Sunday and how their

faith melded with the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics

Anonymous.

March 12:

1940 - Ebby Thatcher, Bill Wilson's boyhood

friend and sponsor, was reported sober again.

March 14:

1941 - South Orange, NJ, AA held an anniversary

dinner at the Hotel Suburban with Bill Wilson as

the guest speaker.

March 15:

1941 - 1st AA group was formed in New Haven,

Connecticut.

March 16:

1940: Bill moved the Alcoholic Foundation office

to 30 Vesey St., NY. (30 Vesey St., NY, was

almost destroyed on September 11, 2001.)

March 18:

1951 - Cliff W. was elected 1st delegate from

Southern California.

March 21:

1881 - Anne Ripley, Dr. Bob's wife, was born.

1966 - Ebby Thatcher, Bill Wilson's sponsor,

died sober.

March 22:

1951 - Dr. William Duncan Silkworth died at

Towns Hospital.

1984 - Clarence Snyder, founder of Cleveland AA

and author of "Home Brewmeister," died at 81, 46

years sober.

March 23:

1936 - Bill & Lois Wilson visited Fitz Mayo,

"Our Southern Friend," in Maryland.

1941 - Sybil C.'s sobriety date. She was the

first woman to enter AA west of the Mississippi.

March 25:

1965 - Richmond Walker, author of "Twenty-Four

Hours a Day" book, died at age 72, almost 23

years sober.

March 29:

1943 - The Charleston Mail, WV, reported that

Bill Wilson had given a talk at St. John's

Parish House.

March 31:

1947 - 1st AA group was formed in London,

England.

date:

Quentin.

supervised by E.M. Jellinek.

1946 - The Jefferson Barracks AA Group in

Missouri was formed. It is thought to be the

first ever in a military installation.

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++++Message 1690. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Living Sober

From: Mel Barger . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/3/2004 2:16:00 PM

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Hi Joanna,

I don't know what conference approved of Living Sober but I do know that

it was written by Barry Leach, now deceased. Barry was very devoted to Lois

Wilson---somewhat like a surrogate son---and even accompanied her on trips

when she was very elderly. I took a picture of Barry and Lois greeting Jack

Bailey (the famous Queen for a Day man) when he spoke in Akron in 1978. I

wish I could find a portrait of Barry for use in my Power Point

presentations.

Mel Barger

~~~~~~~~

Mel Barger

melb@accesstoledo.com
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++++Message 1691. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Living Sober

From: Jim Blair . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4/2004 12:12:00 AM

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Mel wrote

> I don't know what conference approved of Living Sober but I do know that

it was written by Barry Leach, now deceased.

This is from the unpublished history manuscript by Bob P.

"Living Sober," the other booklet, published in 1975, had a more tortuous

history. Around 1968, there were discussions by the Board of the need for a

pamphlet for sober old-timers, and the need to point out "traps" or "danger

signals." Members of the Literature Committee and others were asked to

submit their ideas. Out of this grew a specific proposal for a piece of

literature to be developed around the topic, "How We Stay Sober." It was in

outline form by October 1969, and was assigned to a professional writer on

the staff of a prestigious national magazine. After nearly two years of

work, he submitted a complete draft.. Which everyone agreed would not do at

all. They felt it needed such drastic revision that it should be started

again from scratch by a new author. Barry L., a seasoned, skillful freelance

writer/consultant for G.S.O. was given the task. With Bob H., general

manager of G.S.O., he negotiated a flat fee for the project. After four and

a half years of organizing material and writing . and probably some

procrastinating, as well, Barry came up with a simple, intensely practical,

charmingly written manual on how to enjoy a happy, productive life without

drinking. It was not spiritual and contained nothing about getting sober;

but it was chock-full of the kind of advice and suggestions a newcomer might

get from a super-sponsor. ("A.A.'s First Aid Kit" was Bayard's name for it.)

And it was written in a style unlike any other A.A. literature: breezy,

impertinent, colloquial and informal. "Living Sober" proved to be hugely

popular, and after it had sold nearly a million copies, Barry L. felt he

should have been compensated more generously and should receive some sort of

royalty. He sent a letter to all past Trustees and G.S.O. staff members with

whom he was acquainted, to advance his claim. The AAWS Board and the General

Service Board considered his case, but declined to take action. He then

threatened legal recourse, but perhaps realizing the weakness of his case,

never followed through.

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++++Message 1695. . . . . . . . . . . . Marty Mann and Bill Wilson, 1956, Compiled from Previous Posts

From: NMOlson@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/8/2004 7:54:00 AM

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[17]

In 1956, Marty Mann had the pleasure of introducing Bill Wilson

This Committee was later to become the National Council on

Alcoholism (now the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug

Dependence).

Bill's talk, while it included his usual "bedtime story," was

also a call to cooperation and understanding and support of all

those who are trying to help the still suffering alcoholic.

Nancy

Annual Meeting

Hotel Statler, New York City, N.Y.

March 30, 1956

Introduction by the National Director of the National Committee

on Alcoholism, Mrs. Marty Mann.

Mr. President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I had

to have that formal beginning to find out if I had a voice. This

moment is of such import to me that I have been fearful for a

week that I would not be able to speak.

It's a moment I've been waiting for a long time. The National

Committee on Alcoholism was founded on a proof. Unless there had

been proof that alcoholics could recover there could have been

no National Committee on Alcoholism. That proof was available by

1944, the year of the founding of

the Committee because of what Alcoholics Anonymous had been

doing for nine years. And the work that Alcoholics Anonymous had

been doing for nine years is very largely due to a recovery of

an individual. Everything has to start somewhere.

We no longer look upon it as a divine plan, I think we should as

divine plans require instruments, instruments that we can see

and touch and hear, that can reach us. Such an instrument was

found in a man who had suffered deeply and terribly from

alcoholism and he was able to recover and he discovered that in

order to keep his recovery he had to share it, he had to pass it

on. I like to describe this as the discovery of a constructive

chain reaction.

Something was set in motion back in November 1934, that was to

become one of the great sources for good in our time. I was very

fortunate in coming in contact with this force when I most

desperately needed it. It was not easy for me to change the

pattern of my living from a negative one to a constructive one

and I had a little trouble from time to time in the beginning in

attempting my new life.

The most seriously difficulty I had was met by this same man who

sought me out and dug me out and whom I couldn't refuse to see

and when he spoke to me he said something that I'll never

forget. Something that is having is

culmination here today. He asked me if I wanted to stop

drinking. I said, "Yes." He put his arm around me and he said,

"I'm glad because we have a long way to go together."

Neither of us knew back in 1939 how far that road led or where

it was going to lead but we are still traveling that road

together and it's lead up all the way, up and on.

I believe that the contribution that was made by this

instrument, if you like, is a contribution past description,

past telling. I believe that it was largely through that

contribution which produced living proof that we have been able

to arrive at a meeting such as today where we have been able to

bring together representatives of all the professional

disciplines who are happily and gladly working in this field as

this wasn't always true fifteen years ago. But we were able to

get great names in medicine and psychiatry and social work and

psychology and in public health to be present at a meeting like

this, to take part in what we are doing, to join hands with that

little band of recovered alcoholics to help lick this problem.

Alcoholics Anonymous couldn't do it alone. We couldn't expect

any other victims of a particular affliction to carry the whole

burden of doing something about that particular disease and we

shouldn't expect it in this field. To lick a problem as complex,

as vast and as devastating as alcoholism requires the

cooperation of every one of us, of every area of our life. To

have that cooperation we had to have evidence that it could

produce them. That evidence exists in the growing ranks of

Alcoholics Anonymous and that truth exists because back in 1934,

one man got sober and allowed himself to be used as the great

instrument in spreading this word of hope. In my book he is one

of the greatest men of our times. I give you my friend, my

sponsor, the reason why I am here, Bill.

Address by Bill W.

Well, folks, our world is certainly a world of contrast, it was

only a few year ago that Westbrook Pegler wrote a piece in which

he described Dr. Bob and me as "the wet brain founders of

Alcoholics Anonymous." But very seriously and very happily, too,

I think that the A.A.'s present in and out of this Committee and

everywhere join in with Lois and me and are able to say that

this is one of the finest hours that has yet to come to us.

Some people say that destiny is a series of events held together

by a thin thread of change or circumstance. Other people say

that destiny is composed of a series of events strung on a cord

of cause and effect and still others say that the destiny of

good work is often the issue of the will of God and that he

forges the links and brings the events to pass. I've been asked

to come here to tell the story of A.A. and in that story,

everyone here I am sure can find justification for either of

those points of view.

But, I want to tell more than the story of A.A., this time. I

was beset, I must confess, by a certain reluctance and the

reluctance issues out of this fact, of course everybody is

fairly familiar with the fact that I once suffered from

alcoholism, but people are not so wise to the fact that I

suffer also from schizophrenia, split personality. I have a

personality say as a patriarch of A.A.,founding father, if you

like, and I also have a personality as an A.A. member and

between these personalities is a terrific gulf.

You see, a founding father of A.A. has to stand up to the A.A.

Tradition which says that you must not endorse anything or

anybody or even say good things about your friends on the

outside or even of Beemans chewing gum lest it be an

endorsement. So as the father of A.A. I am very strictly bound

to do nothing but tell the story of our society.

But as an A.A. member like all the rest, I am an anarchist who

revels in litter so I'm really going to say what I damn please.

So, if only you will receive me as Mr. Anonymous, one of the

poor old drunks still trying to get honest!

Now to our narrative and to the first links in the chain of

events that has led us to this magnificent hour. I was by no

means the first link in this chain and only one of very many. I

think the founder business ought to be well deflated and I'm

just going to take a minute or two to do it.

As a fact, the first link in the chain was probably forged about

twenty-five years ago in the office of a great psychiatrist,

Carl Jung. At that time he had as a patient a certain very

prominent American businessman. They worked together for a year.

My business friend Rowland was a very grim case of alcoholism

and yet under the doctor's guidance he thought he was going to

find release. He left the doctor in great confidence but

shortly, he was back drunk. Said he to Dr. Jung, "What now,

You*re my court of last resort."

The doctor looked at him and said, "I thought that you might be

one of those rare cases that could be touched with my art, but

you aren't. I have never seen," continued doctor Jung, "one

single case of alcoholism recover, so grave as yours under my

tutelage."

Well, to my friend Rowland this was tantamount to a sentence of

death. "But doctor," said he, "is there no other course, nothing

else."

"Yes," said Dr. Jung, "there is something. There is such a thing

"Well," Rowland beamed, "after all I've been a vestryman in the

Episcopal Church, I'm a man of faith."

"Oh," Dr. Jung said, "that's fine so far as it goes but it has

to go a lot deeper. I'm speaking of transforming spiritual

experiences."

"Where would I find such a thing," asked Rowland.

Dr. Jung said, "I don't know, lighting strikes here or there, it

strikes any other place. We don't know why or how. You will just

have to expose yourself in the religion of your own choice or a

spiritual influence as best you can and just try and ask and

maybe it will be open to you."

So my friend Rowland joined up with the Oxford Groups, the

sometime Buchmanites of that day, first in London and then came

to New York and lo and behold the lighting did strike and he

found himself unaccountably released of his obsession to drink.

After a time he heard of a friend of mine, a chap we call Ebby,

who sojourned every summer in Vermont, an awful grim case, he

had driven his father's bright, shiny new Packard into the side

of someone's house. He had bashed into the kitchen, pushing