UP ON THE LADDER

Article by

KAYSOON KHOO

We're all trying to climb the ladder of success -- or, at least, progress. So we should. Nature does not allow stagnantion. If we don't climb, we fall -- because motion is the very pulse of life.

While we're climbing that ladder, we tend to regard those on the upper rungs with envy. We wish we were up there among their ranks. By itself, such wishing is not wrong. It gives us the spur we need to climb.

But while we're fixing our gaze up there on the lofty heights, let's not forget to cast our gaze down once in a while. It'll help us remember the origins from which we came. However high we scale up the ladder, once our feet were those lower rungs.

The pride of achievement should never give us a sense of superiority over those who have not reached the height we have attained. Some of them may have weaker leg muscles. Others may not be exerting enough effort. We should be grateful we were not hindered the same way.

In any event, we should remember the ladder of success isn't a very steady contraption. It can take us to lofty heights but it can also send us plunging down to great depths. However high we've climbed, we can only cling on the best we can while we try to place our foot on the next rung.

There's plenty of room up there at the top -- if we can reach it. It costs us nothing to call out encouragement to those below. Then, if we ever miss our footing, chances are we won't hear taunting laughter. A kind hand just might stretch out to catch us instead.