"The true picture of life as it is, if it could be adequately painted, would show men what they are, and how they might rise, not, indeed to perfection, but one step first, and then another on the ladder"

In this quote, Anthony Trollope suggests that the real essence of life can not be completely caught or portrayed through any kind of art, as it is constantly developing and complex. However, if it were possible to precisely depict life, it would reveal to individuals their true selves and their potential for growth. Trollope emphasizes that this growth may not lead to perfection, but rather, it is a gradual process of taking one step at a time towards improvement. This quote serves as a suggestion that life is a journey of continuous knowing and development, which each action taken brings us closer to our complete potential.