"[Tradition Eleven] represents more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. Tradition Eleven is certainly a constant reminder that personal ambition has no place in A.A., but it also implies that each member ought to become an active guardian of our fellowship in its relation with the general public.
As we have seen, anonymity is the protective mantle that covers our whole society. But it is more than protection; it has another dimension, a spiritual significance. And this leads to Tradition Twelve, which reads: 'Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.'
In my belief, the entire
future of our fellowship hangs upon this vital principle. If we continue to be
filled with the spirit and practice of anonymity, no shoal or reef can wreck us.
If we forget this principle, the lid to Pandora's box will be off and the
spirits of Money, Power, and Prestige will be loosed among
us."
2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics
Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 131