Book II, Chapter XVIII Summary and Analysis

Just as a ladder is used to climb up and reach things that are above, so this secret ladder of spiritual wisdom allows a soul to reach spiritual understanding that is generally above human understanding. Also, like a ladder, men can both ascend and descend in spiritual contemplation. A person can only finish going up and down this ladder when they realize a perfect union in the love of God, as well as a feeling of contempt for their own self. The imagery of the ladder is taken from the dream of Joseph in which he sees a ladder going up from man to God with angels ascending and descending this ladder.