In our time of novelty and curiosity our desires are not folly nor evil.
If we have doubt we may succeed despite our doubt so long as we trust the source and remain respectful.
An inexperienced person who seeks instruction in a childlike and unassuming way is on the right path, for the man devoid of arrogance who subordinated himself to his teacher will certainly be helped.
If mistrustful or unintelligent questioning is kept up, it serves only to annoy the ponderer. He does well to ignore it in silence, just as an oracle gives one answer only and refuses to be tempted by questions implying doubt.
It is the most hopeless thing to entangle one’s self in empty imaginings. The more obstinately we cling to unreal fantasies, the more certainly will humiliation overtake it. We would needs be left by ourselves for a time as the only means of rescue.
I’ve always like these thoughts:
Our ego continues to lead so long as we seek to be understood, to gain recognition for our views, or attempt to vindicate ourselves. It also remains in control if we defend ourselves, make pacts (to always act, think or speak in a fixed way when certain conditions occur), or steel ourselves against what might or might not happen.
In doing these things we hedge, doubting that the Creative will come to our defense. Even though others may wish to change, or relate to us in a better way, they remain resistant because they sense our doubt and defensiveness. So long as our ego is able to control us we remain unreliable. – Carol Anthony
Curmudgeon at Work 