Pearls of Wisdom - 135

Of the two energies manifest [spirit and dull matter], beings possessing living force [vegetables, grass, trees and plants] are superior to dull matter [stone, earth, etc.]. Superior to nonmoving plants and vegetables are worms and snakes, which can move. Superior to worms and snakes are animals that have developed intelligence. Superior to animals are human beings, and superior to human beings are ghosts because they have no material bodies. Superior to ghosts are the Gandharvas, and superior to them are the Siddhas. Superior to the Siddhas are the Kinnaras, and superior to them are the asuras. Superior to the asuras are the devatas, and of the devatas, Indra, the King of heaven, is supreme. Superior to Indra are the direct sons of Lord Brahmâ, sons like King Daksha, and supreme among Brahmâ's sons is Rudra. Since Rudra is the son of Lord Brahmâ, Brahmâ is considered superior, but Brahmâ is also subordinate to Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Because I am inclined to the brâhmanas, the brâhmanas are best of all.

Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto 5 Chapter 5 Verses 21-22