"cannot" in the Big Book

Then comes the day when he simply cannot make it and gets drunk all over again.

We cannot answer the riddle.

So many want to stop but cannot.

We admit we have some of these symptoms, but we have not gone to the extremes you fellows did, nor are we likely to, for we understand ourselves so well after what you have told us that such things cannot happen again.

If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic.

But I cannot accept as surely true the many articles of faith which are so plain to him.’’ So it was comforting to learn that we could commence at a simpler level.

With this attitude you cannot fail.

Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves.

If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values.

We cannot be helpful to all people, but at least God will show us how to take a kindly and tolerant view of each and every one.

If we cannot or would rather not do this, we search our acquaintance for a close-mouthed, understanding friend.

It may be one of our own family, but we cannot disclose anything to our wives or our parents which will hurt them and make them unhappy.

More than that we cannot do; we have no right to go further.

Some people cannot be seen—we send them an honest letter.

We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you.

If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become convinced that he cannot recover by himself.

He clamors for this or that, claiming he cannot master alcohol until his material needs are cared for.

Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back.

An alcoholic who cannot meet them, still has an alcoholic mind; there is something the matter with his spiritual status.

He is worried at times, and is becoming aware that he cannot drink like other people.

His friends have slipped away, his home is a near-wreck and he cannot hold a position.

He admits he cannot drink like other people, but does not see why.

He may have come to the point where he desperately wants to stop but cannot.

Some men have been so impaired by alcohol that they cannot stop.

Some men cannot or will not get over alcoholism.

As non-denominational people, we cannot make up others’ minds for them.

We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us.

They cannot seem to forgive and forget.

You cannot see why it should be to anyone else, save the spineless and stupid.

You might say you appreciate his abilities, would like to keep him, but cannot if he continues to

The employer cannot play favorites, but he can always defend a man from needless provocation and unfair criticism.

But if you cannot or will not stop drinking, I think you ought to resign.”

If he cannot or does not want to stop, he should be discharged.

At the same time you will feel no reluctance to rid yourself of those who cannot or will not stop.

He cannot picture life without alcohol.

We cannot be sure.

But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got.