Image of hope or futility by blessing or stubborness; by grace or self-will

They're all "climbing toward the light". (The actual title of this picture is "Infinite Cave").
How can anyone climb out of an infinte cave this way, by himself?
Nobody, of himself, has the strength of body or will to do it. The cave is infinite; our powers are limited.
Unless there's someone in the light at the top pulling this soul up (and who won't under any circumstances let him fall), this effort must end at the bottom of the cave.
The safe, sure way out is to just hold on and trust in the savior at the top. Those who keep tugging at the rope in an effort to get out under their own power thwart the rescue effort.
Imagine yourself on that rope (as indeed you are on it). Look up. Do you have a friend up there who will pull you out when you see you can't get out under your own power?
Do you know that there are many who do not have that friend, who from the beginning were on their own, who believed they had everything necessary to reach the light on their own? Their bones cover the bottom of this cave (or soon will); remembered no more forever.