What was the author's personality like before writing the book, and what did Sai Baba caution against?

The author provides a self-critical description of his initial character in Chapter 2. He admits to being mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical, with a mind driven by logic and argumentation. He was arrogant about his own wisdom and knew little of the Satguru's greatness. This personality directly contrasts with the spiritual path advised by Sai Baba, who warned against a mind preoccupied with argumentation, stating it is filled with ignorance and Maya. Baba explicitly instructed, "Do not establish your own side, do not refute the other side, do not engage in dualistic explanations." This caution highlights the futility of such intellectual exercises for one seeking genuine self-knowledge and happiness.