Can you describe the author's personality and mindset before he went to Shirdi?

Before his transformative encounter with Sai Baba, the author describes himself in a rather unflattering light. Chapter 2 reveals that he was initially mischievous, talkative, cynical, and highly critical. He was very proud of his own wisdom, prone to argumentation, and possessed a logic-driven mind. He admits to having a "bad intellect" and knew nothing of a Satguru's greatness. It was only through what he calls "strong destiny" and past-life connections with individuals like Kakasaheb Dixit that he, a staunch debater, found himself on the path to Shirdi, despite his own initial resistance and skeptical nature.