Some people are well-developed and others are immature. Immaturity represents a lack of understanding about life and the world, and being emotionally undeveloped. Enlightenment is an individual’s emergence from his or her self-imposed immaturity. This immaturity is self-imposed when its cause lies not in a lack of understanding, but in a lack of resolve and courage to use it without guidance from others. It is so easy to be immature. I need not think, if only I can pay others to undertake the irksome task for me. Thus, it is difficult for any individual to work him- or herself out of the immaturity that has all but become his or her nature. Consequently, only a few have succeeded, by cultivating their own minds, in freeing themselves from immaturity and pursuing a more enlightened course.

Most people want to grow to some degree. If you want to become all you can be, you need to develop both individually and spiritually. There are fundamental principles for growing in this way. They cover everything from faith in God to compassion for others to a deep appreciation for the environment. Following these principles will lead you on a path toward spiritual enlightenment.