The Ladder, also known as the Ladder of Paradise, a work by Saint John of Sinai, is one of the most beloved ascetic and spiritual books, not only among monks but also among those 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 kind of "ladder," raises them from the lower to the higher.

The 30 rungs - as many as the Words - of the Ladder, starting from the renunciation of the vain world and the withdrawal, culminate in the triad of the virtues of love, hope, and faith.

However, although the Ladder is directed towards monks, it contains numerous teachings for Christians living in the world who are concerned with the salvation of their souls. Concepts such as repentance, sorrow, obedience, the memory of death, lack of anger, resentment, silence, prayer, fasting, faith, hope, love, etc. help in dealing with passions and in acquiring virtue.