If he seeks the realization of his mystical aims only and for his own gain and no one else's, then it is quite proper and necessary for him to concentrate all his attention upon them and upon himself. To indulge in any form of altruistic service--even if it be spiritual service--is to go astray from this path and be led afar from his goal. But if he seeks humanity's benefit as well as his own, it is not proper and necessary to do so. For he will then have to divert some compassionate thought and meditation and feeling to humanity. The kind of mystical attainment which fructifies at the end of the quest depends on the kind of effort he previously put forth in it. If his aim has been self-centered all along, his power to assist others will be limited in various ways; but if it has been altruistic from the start, then he will be able to assist them adequately, easily, widely, and differently.
-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 8 : The Quest and Social Responsibility > # 140
