The author is writing a sacred text. What does he reveal about his own character before this task, and why is it significant?

The author reveals a past self that stands in stark contrast to the piety expected of someone chronicling a saint's life. In Chapter 2, chunk 16, he describes his former self as "mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical." He admits to being arrogant about his knowledge, having a "bad intellect and a logic-driven mind," and being prone to argumentation. This is significant because it highlights the transformative power of a Satguru. The author's journey from a cynical arguer to a devoted scribe who understands the need to dissolve his ego, as instructed by Baba in chunk 13, serves as a testament to Sai Baba's influence and the central theme of surrender in the narrative.