Doorknob Quote by Charles Bufe
![“As Jack Trimpey, founder of Rational Recovery, has pointed out, steps 2 and 3 are a con—a classic “bait and switch.” Specifically, step 3 poses obvious problems for atheist and agnostic newcomers who have chosen, for example, a doorknob as their “Power greater than [themselves].” How does one turn…” quote by Charles Bufe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b9/charles-bufe-40675_quote_as-jack-trimpey-founder-of-rational-reco_1278748.jpg)
““As Jack Trimpey, founder of Rational Recovery, has pointed out, steps 2 and 3 are a con—a classic “bait and switch.” Specifically, step 3 poses obvious problems for atheist and agnostic newcomers who have chosen, for example, a doorknob as their “Power greater than [themselves].” How does one turn one’s life over to a doorknob?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Rational Recovery seminar, 1990s
The quote critiques steps that replace a higher power with a meaningless object, highlighting the absurdity for non‑believers.
In simple terms: It mocks using a doorknob as a “higher power.”
Key Takeaway
Question the relevance of vague spiritual steps.
Themes
skepticism
religion
recovery
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Addiction recovery meetings
- secular support groups
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Existentialism
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can recovery programs be inclusive of non‑theistic views?
- What alternatives exist for spiritual framing?
A Different Perspective
May alienate participants who need concrete guidance.
![“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This is yet another step which invokes “God” and encourages dependence rather than independence. It echoes the first three steps’ declarations of personal “powerlessness” (first step), personal “[in]sanity” (second step), and…” quote by Charles Bufe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84d/charles-bufe-40675_first-step_were-entirely-ready-to-have-god-remove-a_2096373.jpg)
