The danger of the Long Path appears after it has been travelled for a sufficient period of time. The utter novice is not exposed to it, but the experienced aspirant is. It consists in the egotism which is bred by the belief that progress depends on the efforts he puts out, on what he personally does. For the ego cannot transcend itself, and whatever it does will still remain within its own self. Indeed, the more successful the aspirant is in developing his willpower and virtue, as well as in overcoming his faults and weaknesses, the more he is likely to develop this spiritual pride which fixes him more subtly than ever in the ego. Only resort to the messianic practice of "being still" can save him from this impasse. Only this practice will let the Overself work on him and in him, whereas every other one keeps it out by keeping him in the ego.
-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 1 : Ant's Long Path > # 137
