The elephant is seemingly controlled by a rider, who is much smaller than the elephant This isn't actually what's happening in your brain, but it's a brilliant analogy created by psychologist Jonathan Haidt In Haidt's metaphor, the rider is controlling, rational and goaloriented while the elephant is emotional, loyal and instinctbasedA mahout is an elephant rider, trainer, or keeper As with many professions in tribal or undeveloped areas, a mahout starts as a boy, as a hereditary family profession, and he receives an elephant early in its life, and he is trained to keep it by his familyMedieval Elephant and Riders, Handmade Brass Rubbing, Grave Rubbing, Historical Art, Medieval Art, Tomb Rubbing, Origin Unknown TheTudorRoseShop From shop TheTudorRoseShop 5 out of 5 stars (71) 71 reviews $ 00 Favorite Add to The Elephant And The Rider The Elephant And The Rider Is One Of By Lex Benjamin Medium Elephant riders clutch