On the 10th Step. . . .

August 1947

“Continued to take moral inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”

Notice that the word “continued” is a past participle. We take it to mean that this Step is an unvarying and unceasing thing. It is a part of the program that must be repeated day by day. It is also a reminder that the program is a living thing–a way of growing.

Remember how hard it was to accomplish the 4th Step–the first moral inventory? Many of us finally got around to make it. When we finished, we felt a lot better. At least our own slate was wiped clean. But some of us let the matter end there. The 10th Step serves to warn that the inventory process–begun in the 4th Step–is only a beginning.

Now let’s look at the rest of the Step. “When we were wrong, we promptly admitted it,” is another of those easy-to-say but hard-to-do things. Most of us are fairly egocentric; it is part of the illness. In our personal relations, it’s a bit harder for us to admit that we were wrong about anything. Early in our sobriety, especially when we were still in the remorse stage, we went overboard on this matter. It gave some of us a sort of pleasure to admit that we were stinkers; that we were going to do better. Are you still feeling the same way?

There are several sound reasons for the 10th Step. In the first place, no alcoholic can afford to nurse resentments. If we know we are wrong about something and do not admit it, we are likely to start building a nest for resentments. In the second place, none of us can afford to be dishonest. We believe that it is dishonest to “think wet and talk dry.” We believe it is dishonest to “get by with something” at the expense of someone else. When we are wrong and fail to admit it–even to ourselves–we are back in the old drinking state of mind–dishonest, phony, stubborn and arrogant.

But enough of this preaching. The really important thing is the effect this 10th Step will have on you. It will make you happier, kindlier, more serene. We know a number of A.A.s who practice this Step in their lives. We envy them because they have peace of mind.

Start practicing the 10th Step now. It’s a principle of living that can be used everywhere. Begin at home and then carry it to your office. You will be surprised how startled–and pleased–your friends will be when you start taking your share of the blame!