Firewood is a transformation of earth, but smoke is better than the raw wood. And fire is still better, for by fire we can derive the benefits of superior knowledge [through Vedic sacrifices]. Similarly, passion [rajas] is better than ignorance [tamas], but goodness [sattva] is best because by goodness one can come to realize the Absolute Truth.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
पार्थिवाद्दारुणो धूमस्तस्मादग्निस्त्रयीमयः । तमसस्तु रजस्तस्मात्सत्त्वं यद्ब्रह्मदर्शनम्
pārthivāddāruṇo dhūmastasmādagnistrayīmayaḥ | tamasastu rajastasmātsattvaṃ yadbrahmadarśanam
SB 1.2.24