This quote suggests that the rationality of a person is directly proportional to how well their intelligence informs and controls their desires. In other words, the more a person uses their intelligence to understand, inform, and manage their desires, the more rational they become. It implies that rationality is not just about having intelligence or knowledge, but about how we use that intelligence to inform and control our desires.

The desires here can be understood as our impulses, passions, or wants, which are often driven by our emotions. These desires can sometimes lead us astray, causing us to make irrational decisions. However, when we use our intelligence to inform these desires, we understand them better, know where they come from, and what their consequences might be. This understanding allows us to control these desires, guiding us towards more rational decisions and actions.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that to grow as individuals, we should strive to use our intelligence to inform and control our desires. It’s about developing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-control. For instance, someone might have a desire to eat junk food all the time. If they use their intelligence to inform this desire, they would understand the health implications of this habit. This understanding can help them control this desire, leading them to make healthier food choices.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant given the constant bombardment of information and stimuli that can often fuel our desires. The rise of social media, for example, can fuel desires for validation, recognition, or material possessions. By using our intelligence to inform these desires, we can understand their source and potential implications, helping us control them and make more rational decisions. This could mean limiting our use of social media, not comparing ourselves to others, or focusing more on our personal growth rather than external validation.