Step after step the ladder is ascended. [ English Proverb, collected by George Herbert ]

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. [ J. G. Holland, Pseudonym: Timothy Titcomb ]

You cannot climb a ladder by pushing others down. [ Proverb ]

Let us weep in our darkness - but weep not for him!
Not for him - who, departing, leaves millions in tears!
Not for him - who has died full of honor and years!
Not for him - who ascended Fame's ladder so high.
From the round at the top he has stepped to the sky. [ N. P. Willis ]

The world is a ladder for some to go up, and some down. [ Proverb ]

When an ass climbs a ladder, you may find wisdom in women. [ Proverb ]

Rash presumption is a ladder which will break the mounter's neck. [ Proverb ]

Talk to him of Jacob's ladder, and he would ask the number of steps. [ Douglas Jerrold ]

Go down the ladder when thou marriest a wife; go up when thou choosest a friend. [ Rabbi Ben Azai ]