A RIDDLE THAT WORKS
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for August 24.
The phrase 'A RIDDLE THAT WORKS' captures the beautiful paradox at the heart of our recovery. We come to AA convinced that we must control our drinking, yet the first step asks us to admit we are powerless [Page 59]. That seems like nonsense—how can surrender solve anything? But the Big Book teaches that 'half measures availed us nothing' [Page 25]; we had to go all in on a spiritual solution that defies logic. Then the Promises come true: 'We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves' [Page 84]. The riddle is that by giving up our will, we find freedom; by giving away what we've received, we keep it. This program works not because it makes sense to the ego, but because it aligns us with a Power greater than ourselves.
Where in your own recovery have you experienced something that seemed like a riddle—a step or principle that didn't make sense at first but ended up working beautifully?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for August 24?
The theme for August 24 is “A Riddle That Works.” The phrase 'A RIDDLE THAT WORKS' captures the beautiful paradox at the heart of our recovery.
Where in your own recovery have you experienced something that seemed like a riddle—a step or principle that didn't make sense at first but ended up working beautifully?
This program works not because it makes sense to the ego, but because it aligns us with a Power greater than ourselves. (Big Book: Chapter 3, page 25; Chapter 6, pages 83–84)