What was the author's personality like before he wrote the stories, and what did Sai Baba advise against?

In Chapter 2, the author, who would come to be known as Hemadpant, describes his former self quite critically. He admits to being mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical. He was arrogant about his knowledge, proud of his wisdom, and possessed a logic-driven mind prone to argumentation. This personality trait is directly related to Sai Baba's advice, also mentioned in Chapter 2, where Baba warns against a mind for argumentation, stating it is a sign of ignorance and Maya. Baba explicitly advised not to establish one's own side, refute others, or engage in dualistic explanations, calling it a useless effort that prevents one from attaining self-knowledge and happiness.