Does Reason rule the soul?

The soul is like a family - reason does not rule anymore than will or desire does. They work in conjunction. The desires are like chaotic, screaming and jumping children - they want many things, and they have no self-control. The reason is like a wise and overseeing mother; in control, beyond wise, all knowing, all seeing, "eyes in the back of her head", can read exactly what you mean or did simply by the look on your face; she decides which few of the many desires is good for the family to undertake (to ultimately silence the children; but to also please them in the way she knows is best whether desire currently wants it or knows it now). Once she has decided the matter is over, she now leaves it for the father (will) to enforce (as she goes on to consider other matters) - silent, unrelenting, unmoving except when he wills it, will pushes through the decision to act upon, until it is done. No discussion, no equivocation. The matter has been decided. Reason agrees and desires submit. If reason was correct in her judgement, desires are happy that they got their way (but in a way that was the best for the whole family/soul). Desire must always get its way - or none of the soul is happy.

If Will is reasonable or virtuous, reason persuaded him merely by speech. If he is unreasonable, then reason becomes an advisor, the woman behind the throne, subtly advising will without will realizing it is being persuaded.

Which facet rules? Reason does not, she merely decides to do the best thing desire tells her they want, and the best way to do it and when. Will does not rule, although he is strong, even stronger than reason or will (if he succeeds), and pushes the decision through to completion, it is not his decision to make.

For happiness to occur in the soul or the family, all parts must play their role. None rules too much - all parts must act in harmony.