Explain why Siddhartha decides not to follow Gotama, even though he believes his teachings are wise.

Siddhartha says that although Gotama's path may be appropriate for some, he must take his own path, lest self-deception overtake him and he admit to Nirvana before having actually attained it. The Buddha (Gotama) admonishes Siddhartha to beware his own cleverness then wishes him well on his path.