"We build the ladder by which we climb" is a line worthy of any poet. J. G. Holland (1819-81) has immortalised himself in this line, at least.
Heaven is not reached at a single bound,
But we build the ladder by which we rise
From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies,
And we mount to its summit round by round.
I count this thing to be grandly true:
That a noble deed is a step toward God,—
Lifting the soul from the common clod
To a purer air and a broader view.
J. G. Holland.
