Passion is the mob of the man, that commits a riot upon his reason.

This quote metaphorically compares passion to a mob that overthrows the rational part of a person, akin to how an unruly crowd might riot adn cause chaos. It implies that when we allow our passions, or intense emotions, to dominate us, they can disrupt our rational thinking and decision-making process. Just as a mob operates on raw emotion rather than reason, so too does unchecked passion.

In this context, ‘reason’ represents calm logic and thoughtful deliberation. When ‘passion’ is allowed free reign without the moderating influence of reason, it can lead to impulsive actions or decisions that may not be in our best interest. Thus, while passion can provide powerful motivation and drive us towards achieving goals or pursuing dreams, it needs to be balanced with reason for optimal results.

Applying this idea in today’s world or personal growth could involve cultivating emotional intelligence – the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions as well as those of others. It means recognizing when your passions are starting to override your capacity for rational thought and taking steps to restore balance.

As a notable example in professional settings, someone might feel passionate about an innovative project idea but if they let their enthusiasm cloud their judgment they may overlook potential flaws or risks involved. Balancing this passion with critical analysis would lead towards more enduring success.

Similarly in personal relationships; intense love (a form of passion) could blind individuals from seeing red flags leading them into unhealthy relationships. Balancing these strong feelings with reasoning could help maintain healthier dynamics.

Thus Penn’s quote underscores the importance of maintaining equilibrium between emotion (passion) and thought (reason), resonating even centuries later in our quest for personal growth and self-improvement.