Above Quote by KRS-One
“When you know the law, you're above the law. When you break the law, you're under the law.”
About This Quote
Source Song: “Sound of da Police”, 1993
The lines critique legal hypocrisy, noting that knowledge of law can create a sense of superiority, while breaking it leads to subjugation.
In simple terms: Knowing law can make you feel above it; breaking it puts you below.
Key Takeaway
Understand law’s limits and your role within it.
Themes
law
justice
power
hypocrisy
ethics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
educational
Type
poetic
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political activism
- legal education
- community organizing
- personal conduct
Key Concepts
social contract
civil disobedience
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power affect your view of law?
- What responsibilities come with legal knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Legal knowledge can breed arrogance or oppression.
![“Who can break the law? If I break this glass, it will fall down. If anyone succeeds in throwing one atom out of place, every other atom will go out of balance. . . . The law can never be broken. Each atom is kept in its place. Each is weighed and measured and fulfils its [purpose] and place…” quote by Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/996/swami-vivekananda-53_atoms_who-can-break-the-law-if-i-break-this-gl_3191860.jpg)
