This quote challenges conventional religious frameworks by asserting a profound and empowering truth: spirituality is an individual journey, not one that must be mediated by intermediaries like priests or ministers. It calls for a radical shift in perspective where the foundational principle is direct personal experience rather than inductive trust or delegation of spiritual authority. The critique posed by the author is that relying on human intermediaries introduces fallibility since humans are inherently flawed, which in turn clouds access to the true spiritual essence. The mention of the Tao here broadens the scope beyond any single religious tradition, emphasizing a universal, almost empirical approach to spirituality—seeing and trusting the reality that unfolds before us with simplicity and openness. In an era often complicated by institutionalized dogma and secondhand beliefs, this quote resonates as a reminder to engage directly with the world and the sacred. Instead of absorbing spirituality through complex hierarchies or rituals, the message invites self-trust, mindfulness, and honest perception of the present moment. It aligns well with Daoist philosophy where harmony with the Tao arises naturally when one is attuned to what is, without contrivance or mediation. Ultimately, it encourages independence in spiritual development and offers a path that is accessible to all, transcending the barriers of religious structures. This refreshing stance broadens spirituality as a lived, experiential reality rather than something external to be attained through intermediaries.