Applause Quote by Augusten Burroughs
“Applause is a constant thing in AA. It's how we buy drinks for each other.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, 2002
In AA, applause is a ritual that substitutes for buying drinks, reinforcing community support.
In simple terms: Applause replaces buying drinks.
Key Takeaway
Use symbolic gestures to strengthen group bonds.
Themes
community
ritual
support
recovery
Mood
supportive
reflective
Type
cultural
ritual
When to use this quote
- AA meetings
- support groups
- team building
- celebrations
Key Concepts
social reinforcement
symbolic exchange
group cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do rituals affect your sense of belonging?
- Can symbolic acts replace material gifts?
A Different Perspective
May feel performative rather than genuine.
![“All the shows we did pre-airdate, and I'd come out - "Rob Lowe!" - and it was [Offers bored applause.] After the show aired? I came out - "Rob Lowe!" - and the place was, like, bedlam. And then the next week, they wouldn't let anyone under the age of 20 into the audience. And I'm going, "So that's…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/rob-lowe-855_age_all-the-shows-we-did-pre-airdate-and-i-d_31307.jpg)
