278. As we have seen in the foregoing, one of the great analyses of the whole universe is that it constitutes a transformation process continuing eternally which is perceived by living beings as a perfecting process; furthermore, on the basis of this process, we are able to express or symbolise it in the form of a stairway whose steps all living beings without exception have to mount. These steps in their analysis are exactly the same as that factor commonly called "evolutionary stages" and in this way are ascended by all living beings which process is identical with that reality we call "life", and so the total number of those steps altogether will thereby be expressed as the absolutely true and genuine Road of Life.