“Thou seekest disciples? Then thou seekest ciphers.” is a profound statement that suggests if one is seeking disciples, they are essentially seeking individuals who are willing to become ciphers, or codes to be deciphered, molded, and shaped according to their teachings. The term ‘ciphers’ here can be understood as individuals who are willing to lose their individuality and originality to follow someone else’s teachings or ideas blindly.
This quote is a critique of the disciple-teacher relationship where the disciple is expected to suppress their own thoughts and beliefs and adopt those of the teacher. It implies that seeking disciples is, in essence, seeking to create copies of oneself. It’s a call for the preservation of individuality and a critique of blind faith and obedience.
In today’s world, this idea could be applied in various contexts. In the realm of personal development, it suggests that one should not merely seek to become a disciple of any thought or ideology, but rather strive to maintain their individuality and originality. It encourages critical thinking and independent decision making.
In the context of leadership, it could be interpreted as a critique of autocratic leadership styles that suppress individuality and encourage conformity. It suggests that effective leadership should not seek to create disciples, but rather inspire individuals to think for themselves and contribute their unique ideas and perspectives.
In the realm of education, it could be seen as a call for a shift from traditional pedagogical models that promote rote learning and conformity, towards more progressive models that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and individuality.
Overall, this quote is a reminder of the importance of preserving our individuality and critical thinking skills in a world that often encourages conformity and blind obedience.