I studiously avoided all ...

I studiously avoided all so-called \
I studiously avoided all so-called "holy men." I did so because I had to make do with my own truth, not accept from others what I could not attain on my own. I would have felt it as a theft had I attempted to learn from the holy men and to accept their truth for myself. Neither in Europe can I make any borrowings from the East, but must shape my life out of myself-out of what my inner being tells me, or what nature brings to me.

Quotes from the same author

The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.
Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakes.
Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people.
Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves.