A Tremendous Fact

The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism. - Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 17

That we have a "common solution" means that we cannot be all things to all people. To say that "my name is [name] and I'm an addict/alcoholic or alcoholic/addict) does not imply a "common" solution. But hat doesn't mean we should kick someone out who says that; only that we should not say it ourselves. Can we join in brotherly and harmonious action? Certainly. But we do so with those who have a desire to stop drinking.

We can absolutely agree on our course of action. It is the Twelve Steps of AA, and anyone willing to follow them with rigor is welcome to join us. In fact, I have a friend who is not an alcoholic, but she has a desire to stop drinking, has a sponsor and works the steps. She has a way out on which she is willing to join with us. This is the good news that this book carries. To borrow from Christianity, it as a kind of gospel. It is the "GOOD NEWS' that sets captives free.

This is probably the best description of all that follows. It is tremendous, it is a fact, and it carries great news.Can any paragraph carry more than that?

Also notice that Bill uses the term '"discovered" and not "devised."  We have uncovered a hidden source of strength that we didn't even know existed. The spiritual realm lies hidden to those who lack
 the humility to see it . But in the program, we develop he right thinking towards that realm that begins opening it to us. AA is a great fact indeed.