Why does not a ladder climb?

Brindha Venkataramani
Inspiring Minds
Published in
2 min readFeb 21, 2024

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A Reflection on Purpose and Growth

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

Have you ever pondered why a ladder, despite its function as a tool for climbing, never ascends or descends itself? This intriguing question crossed my mind, leading me to contemplate the essence of the ladder’s existence.

Throughout its lifespan, a ladder dutifully supports countless individuals in their upward or downward journeys. Yet, it remains steadfast in its position, never embarking on its own ascent. This paradox drew me to liken the role of a ladder to that of a teacher.

Consider the analogy: a teacher imparts knowledge and guidance to students, facilitating their educational journey. However, unlike students who progress through academic levels, teachers do not undergo automatic advancement in their profession. Nor do they sit for examinations that grades them as Pass or Fail. Does this static role imply a lack of growth for educators, with the students’ journey being the sole pursuit of significance?

Perhaps the answer lies in the inherent nature of ladders. Imagine if ladders were suddenly imbued with the ability to climb autonomously — chaos would surely ensue! The very purpose of a ladder, rooted in stability and support, would be compromised. It seems that ladders, much like teachers, thrive in their steadfastness and reliability.

In essence, the notion of climbing and descending becomes a mere illusion in the context of a ladder’s existence. While human endeavors may be characterized by constant motion and progression, the essence of a ladder lies in its unwavering stability, symbolizing a deeper truth about the nature of purpose and growth.

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Brindha Venkataramani
Inspiring Minds

A Software professional who writes on subjects related to Happiness and well-being in general. https://medium.com/@brindhav/about-me-052aa6a662b4