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 Philo, Allegorical Interpretation III, 81-82

Let us now see what account Moses gives of the mind itself, when it is set in motion in a way contrary to right reason (orthon logon). ... And, as a ship holds on her right course when the pilot has the helm in his hand and steers her, and she is obedient to her rudder, but the vessel is upset when some contrary wind descends upon the waves and the whole sea is occupied by billows; so when the mind, which is the charioteer or pilot of the soul, retains the mastery over the entire animal, as a ruler does over a city, the life of the man proceeds rightly.

In this passage from Allegorical Interpretation III, 81-82 by Philo, he uses a metaphor to describe the mind's role in guiding a person's life and actions. Philo compares the mind to a ship's pilot or charioteer, responsible for steering the soul in the right direction, just as a pilot steers a ship or a charioteer controls a chariot. When the mind is in control, in harmony with right reason (orthon logon), the person’s life proceeds in the right direction, just as a ship stays on course when guided by the pilot. 

Philo is suggesting that the mind must remain in control and aligned with reason for the soul (and thus the person) to live rightly. If the mind is swayed by irrational impulses or emotions, it will lead the individual away from virtue and wisdom, just as a ship loses its course in a storm. In essence, the passage highlights the importance of maintaining control over one’s thoughts and actions through reason in order to live a righteous life.

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