Freedom Through the Twelve Steps - Bill Wilson: Changing the World
More than several cultural and social commentators have credited the creation of the Twelve Steps as a modern day wonder of the world. While there are and always will be plenty of critics of them and the program of recovery, countless others see the Twelve Steps as remarkable and even miraculous. Of course, it is quite a story of how they came into being through Bill W, his connection to Dr. Bob, and then the growth of AA that eventually launched any number of other twelve-step programs.
Sometimes, it can be valuable to view our program of recovery through the lens of the conventional or secular world. At a minimum, this can enrich our perspective with useful insights. At best, it may help keep each of us—and all of us collectively—from becoming so self-satisfied that we undermine the very purpose of the rooms of recovery and the Twelve Steps.
That’s why, when we came across this podcast from the highly regarded Harvard Business Review, we felt it could be meaningful to others. It explores Bill W. and the founding of AA through a secular, entrepreneurial lens. We found it quite compelling and think you might as well. Below is how the producers describe the piece, along with a link to the audio file.
As always, take what you like and pass it on.
How Bill Wilson Cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous and Created a Lasting Social Movement
Bill Wilson was an incredibly entrepreneurial young man with tremendous potential. He was also an alcoholic who had hit rock bottom - until an epiphany led him to lasting sobriety.
With his personal drive and fellowship with former drinking buddies, Wilson built a social movement and worldwide organization. Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions of “friends of Bill” recover from alcohol addiction.
In this episode of Cold Call, Harvard Business School Professor Robert Simons joins host Brian Kenny to discuss the case, Bill Wilson: Changing the World. They explore how Wilson navigated life’s choices, transformed his life and those of others, and left a lasting impact on the world.