Some people are so enslaved by their instinctive nature that nobody, no spiritual master, no initiate can change them

"Some people are so enslaved by their instinctive nature that nobody, no spiritual master, no initiate can change them. They will tell him, 'I understand very well what you're saying, I agree with you, it's marvelous, I would like to change but I can't, I can't help it.' Some will admit, 'If I don't smoke, drink, chase women or steal a little, I'm unhappy.' These people are even unhappier after, of course, but this is another matter.

It is therefore out of the question to transform all these people, but it is important to show them that the spiritual life other people lead makes sense. This will remain a distant ideal for them for a long time, but they must at least know about it. If Christ appeared in person, thousands of people would undoubtedly fall on their knees to glorify him, but they would remain what they are, unable to transform themselves for the moment. Yes, even if your cat sweetly mews beside you, it is no use preaching vegetarianism to it, it will remain a cat and will always look for mice. But it is never useless to show some of the 'cats' we meet in life that there are better things to do than chase mice. One day they will understand, but when?..."