Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 14: The Three Qualities of Nature

Bhagavad Gita 14.17

सत्त्वात्सञ्जायते ज्ञानं रजसो लोभ एव च । प्रमादमोहौ तमसो भवतोऽज्ञानमेव च ॥

sattvātsañjāyate jñānaṃ rajaso lobha eva ca | pramādamohau tamaso bhavato'jñānameva ca ||

From clarity comes knowledge, and from passion comes greed. From inertia come carelessness, delusion, and ignorance.

Modern context

Clarity produces knowledge; passion produces greed; inertia produces carelessness, delusion and ignorance. This is almost a law of the inner life. If you want to understand something, calm the mind first. Rushing, wanting and grasping cloud judgment. Dullness blocks it altogether. Wisdom grows best in a quiet, clear mind.