It is essential to make clear that none should take to this Quest in order to follow or depend on some particular man, or to gain certain mystic experiences, for if he is disappointed in the man or frustrated in reaching the experiences, he will be inclined to abandon the Quest. No!--he should take to it for its own sake, because it is immeasurably worthwhile and because its rewards in improved character and developed understanding are sufficient in themselves to pay for his effort. If the Quest helps him to become aware of, and to eradicate, bad faults in himself, in his outlook on life and in his approach to others, it has justified itself. Even if the mystical consciousness fails to show itself, or to show itself often enough to please him, he has still had his money's worth.
-- Notebooks Category 1: Overview of the Quest > Chapter 5 : Self-Development > # 385
