There is a moment in the career of the seeker when he may have to face the problem of joining some special organization. Here we can deal only with the general question itself. For most beginners, association with such an organization may be quite helpful, but for most intermediates it will be less so, and for all proficients it will be definitely detrimental. Sooner or later the seeker will discover that in accepting the advantages of such association he has also to accept the disadvantages, and that the price of serving its interests is partnership in its evils. He discovers in time that the institution which was to help him reach a certain end, becomes itself that end. Thus the true goal is shut out of sight, and a false one is substituted for it. He can keep his membership in the organization only by giving up something of his individual wholeness of mind and personal integrity of character. The organization tends to tyrannize over his thoughts and conduct, to weaken his power of correct judgement, and to destroy a fresh, spontaneous inner life. He will come in time to refuse to take any organization at its own valuation for he will see that it is not the history behind it but the service it renders that really matters.
-- Notebooks Category 1: Overview of the Quest > Chapter 4 : Organized Groups > # 58
