"understand" in the Big Book

Finally he shook his head saying, “Something has happened to you I don’t understand.

In the following chapter, there appears an explanation of alcoholism, as we understand it, then a chapter addressed to the agnostic.

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.

I had never been able to understand people who said that a problem had them hopelessly defeated.

We often find such a person quick to see and understand our problem.

Of course, we sometimes encounter people who do not understand alcoholics.

Such parts of our story we tell to someone who will understand, yet be unaffected.

It is important that he be able to keep a confidence; that he fully understand and approve what we are driving at;

Perhaps he is having a secret and exciting affair with “the girl who understands.’’ In fairness we must say that she may understand, but what are we going to do about a thing like that?

If he is alcoholic, he will understand you at once.

The wife should fully understand his new way of life.

As wives of Alcoholics Anonymous, we would like you to feel that we understand as perhaps few can.

Show him that as alcoholics, the writers of the book understand.

That is why we are anxious that you understand, and that you avoid these unnecessary difficulties.* So to you out there who may soon be with us—we say “Good luck and God bless you!”

Here were three exceptional men lost to this world because I did not understand alcoholism as I do now.

I wanted to throw up my hands in discouragement, for I saw that I had failed to help my banker friend understand.

Even when you understand the malady better, you may feel this feeling rising.

Normal drinkers are not so affected, nor can they understand the aberrations of the alcoholic.

You may be at a loss to understand how such a seemingly above-board chap could be so involved.

Seeing your attempt to understand and help, some men will try to take advantage of your kindness.

He should understand that emphatically.

Though you are providing him with the best possible medical attention, he should understand that he must undergo a change of heart.

But at least he will understand the problem and will no longer be misled by ordinary promises.

Unhappy drinkers who read this page will understand!

Understand he was once a well-known lawyer in town, but just now we’ve got him strapped down tight.”* Here was a prospect all right but, by the description, none too promising.

I can’t understand it.”

Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.