Abstract
The metaphor of a ship led by a skillful captain as an image of society/state led by a wise ruler was perceived in the 18th century Russian culture as a well-known cultural meme. In Andrey Bolotov's (1738–1833) treatise The Guide to True Human Happiness this metaphor is used to illustrate and clarify a complicated metaphysical problem. Bolotov used this image in an attempt to explain the processes inside the human soul, the struggle between the rational and the sensual, between “thoughts and desires”, between “reason and arbitrariness”. He uses the full range of social characteristics and applies them to various mental structures. Any individual’s actions and way of life are represented as resulting from the functioning of their “inner society,” a coordinated work of a ship's crew led by reason as its captain towards the great goal – a virtuous life, bliss and peace.
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