William Griffith Wilson

William Griffith Wilson, widely known as Bill W., was an American author, businessman, and the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), one of the most influential self-help movements of the 20th century. Born in 1895 in Vermont, Wilson struggled with alcoholism for many years before achieving sobriety in 1934 through a spiritual awakening. In 1935, he met Dr. Bob Smith, and together they founded AA, creating a peer-based recovery program grounded in mutual support and personal accountability.

As the principal author of Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism—often called "The Big Book"—William Griffith Wilson laid out the foundation of the Twelve Steps, which have since become a cornerstone of addiction recovery programs worldwide. His writings emphasize spiritual growth, humility, and the power of community. A powerful quote by Wilson is: “We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” This reflects his belief in ongoing, conscious effort as key to recovery.

Bill W. continued to serve as a guiding figure in the AA movement until his death in 1971, remaining deeply committed to the organization’s principles of anonymity and service. He often spoke about the importance of selflessness, saying: “True ambition is not what we thought it was. True ambition is the deep desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God.” Through his writings and legacy, William Griffith Wilson helped millions find a path to healing, shaping the modern understanding of addiction and recovery.