Watch the path, not the people. Seneca, Epistles 4.33.10-11

Seneca advises Lucilius to pursue philosophy, not philosophers, who are not themselves the quest that they have undertaken. We should seek the truth, not make idols of our fellow seekers.

Adice nunc quod isti qui numquam tutelae suae fiunt primum in ea re sequuntur priores in qua nemo non a priore descivit; deinde in ea re sequuntur quae adhuc quaeritur. Numquam autem invenietur, si contenti fuerimus inventis. Praeterea qui alium sequitur nihil invenit, immo nec quaerit. Quid ergo? non ibo per priorum vestigia? ego vero utar via vetere, sed si propiorem planioremque invenero, hanc muniam. Qui ante nos ista moverunt non domini nostri sed duces sunt. Patet omnibus veritas; nondum est occupata; multum ex illa etiam futuris relictum est. Vale.

Another thing for you to consider. These people who never become their own tutors trail along after predecessors in a path of discipline that everyone occupies by learning from someone more advanced. The end to which this path leads, the end that they follow, is one we are all still pursuing. It will never be discovered, if we rest content with what is already found. The pilgrim who ignores it to follow another person discovers nothing; he isn't even looking at the path. What do I mean? Shall I not travel in the footsteps of my predecessors? By all means let me use the old way, but if I come across one nearer and easier, I shall certainly take it. Those who have marked the way before us are not our lords, but our leaders. Truth lies open to all; she is not claimed or taken by anyone in particular. Much remains for future generations to find in her wilderness. Farewell.