268. All living beings thus find themselves in an eternal existence which according to the principle of perspective is sensed or felt as a transformation from a lesser to a more complete state of being. It is in relation to this rise from imperfection towards perfection that we find those planes of existence or kingdoms mentioned previously, which are symbolised by the stairway or ladder on which every single kingdom constitutes an overlying or underlying step in conformity with its nature or character, expressing - as the case may be - a greater or lesser degree of perfection.
      As there is no form of experience of life whatsoever that is not identical with this transformation or perfecting process just described, then all existing living beings without exception find themselves within it, and thereby, again without exception - each one according to the nature of his present condition of manifesting - will express or represent a more or less high or low step on that stairway which is presented in Livets Bog under the term the ladder of evolution.