The Ladder of Divine Ascent, also known as the Ladder of Paradise, is a work by Saint John Climacus and is one of the most beloved ascetic and spiritual books, not only among monks but also among Christians who consciously strive to combat passions and cultivate virtues.
The content of the work is addressed to souls dedicated to the Lord, who have renounced worldly things and seek perfection. It describes the various stages of their lives and, like a "ladder," elevates them from the lowest to the highest. The 30 steps - as many as the Logoi - of the Ladder, starting from the renunciation of the vain world and withdrawal, culminate in the trinity of the virtues of love, hope, and faith.
Although the Ladder is addressed to monks, it contains a multitude of teachings for Christians living in the world who are interested in the salvation of their souls. Concepts such as repentance, sorrow, obedience, remembrance of death, dispassion, malice, silence, prayer, fasting, faith, hope, love, etc., help in the confrontation of passions and the acquisition of virtue.