Harvey Specter is synonymous with badassery. He is an innovative, hot, and super successful attorney seen in the hit drama series Suits, directed by Aaron Korsh. The series has many fans around the world. With his witty one-liners and looks, Harvey Specter has become a fan favorite. This is probably why Suits has become so famous and successful. Gabriel Macht has played the role of Harvey Specter. The life of the character went through a change when he hired Mike Ross as an associate. Ross never attended law school, but he was a born genius. Specter is seen protecting Ross from various situations. Harvey also has a good relationship with Louis Litt and his assistant Donna. In the nine seasons of Suits, Harvey Specter has delivered some of the most iconic lines, and here we will see the best Harvey Specter quotes. Here are the best, favorite, and most inspiring Harvey Specter quotes.
1. “I don’t get lucky. I make my luck.”
For how long can one depend on luck to get things done? Here, Harvey Specter says he doesn’t attribute his success to mere chance and coincidence. Instead, he earned it because of his hard work. It is frequently heard that the harder one works, the luckier he gets. Harvey Specter worked hard to be at the place he is today. He is a character that works hard to achieve things and make situations favorable. Thus, he claims that he didn’t get lucky; instead, he created his luck by doing whatever was necessary to succeed.
2. “First impressions last. You start behind the eight ball; you’ll never get in front.”
Behind the eight ball is a pool expression. This means finding yourself in an unfavorable position. This quote by Harvey Specter states that there is no shortcut to success. At the start of the first season, Mike Ross confronts Harvey Specter about his careless attitude at work, as he is often seen coming and leaving at his own time. Harvey made it clear that he earned respect and freedom based on his performance and track record in the firm’s first few weeks of working.
3. “If you kinda sorta try, then you kinda sorta fail.”
Half efforts don’t lead us anywhere. If you don’t put all of your focus on a task, then it is bound to happen that you’ll fail.
4. “Next time you ought to make a life-altering decision, just question yourself, ‘What would Harvey do?’”
Harvey Specter is confident, intelligent, and also the epitome of witty one-liners. He worked to the top of the firm, from being an associate to being the most successful attorney in town. His life is all about winning. If you get stuck somewhere or have to make a life-altering decision, think about what Harvey Specter would do. He is someone who knows how to make the table turn and can be a good role model for numerous fans of Suits.
5. “Win a no-win situation by rewriting the rules.”
There is no right path set for success. Success holds a different meaning in each person’s dictionary, and the rules also vary. If you ever feel you will not succeed, rewrite the rules. Winning can be compared to Algebra. There are multiple methods to solve the same question. If one way doesn’t work for you, why not choose the other? Whatever form you choose doesn’t matter as long as you reach the solution.
6. “You know who cries the hardest in the Miss America pageant? The winner. Because she knows she can’t win again, and winners always want to.”
In Suits Season 3 Episode 9, Harvey Specter quotes these lines. The winner of the Miss America pageant can not win the competition again; if she could, she would desire to win it again and again. It is also her hard work that makes her cry. These are some deep lines that Specter quotes.
7. “Never destroy anyone in public when you can accomplish the same result in private.”
Everyone in this world cares for their reputation. Today they might be your enemy, but it is also possible that you will be put in the same place. So, never sabotage anyone in public as it will put you in danger. If the same thing can be done in private, then an exhibition doesn’t need to be in front of the public.
8. “Unless you’re looking to make me breakfast tomorrow, I think we’re done.”
These lines have been picked up from Season 2, Episode 1 of Suits. Harvey Specter likes getting to the point very much, and here, he has clarified his intention. It is an excellent habit to state your thing clearly without hesitation. This is a trait that must be learned from and observed in Specter.
9. “Goals so big you get uncomfortable telling small-minded people.”
Like-minded people do not always surround you. You don’t need to tell everyone if your goals are too big for others. Small-minded people won’t even be able to get your plans. So, it is rather clever not to waste your energy by telling them. It is intelligent not to make an effort by trying to explain to them your goals as they might knowingly or unknowingly misguide you. Just keep on following your path and beware of such individuals.
10. “Let them hate. Just make sure they spell your name right.”
This quote by Harvey Specter instills the quality of a true leader. He clearly says that it does not matter if people hate you. What matters is that they should hate you for the right reason.
11. “You don’t send a puppy to clean up its mess.”
The leaders of a group usually have to take responsibility for the actions of their subordinates, especially if they are still learning about the job. Being a leader also means assisting people with their problems and providing guidance. With this mutual support, you will make them stronger and help yourself. The others will remember that you also helped them and won’t back down when you need something.
12. “Life has two rules:1 never quit, two always remember rule no 1.”
No matter your dreams or goals, it is essential to give up. There will be moments in your life when you feel like sticking your head in the ground or not returning to your room. Honestly, it is okay, no one can give their 100% all the time, and no one is perfect. It is okay to feel down sometimes as long as you remember these two rules.
13. “Kill them with success. Bury them with a smile.”
If you are on your path to success, you will notice haters around you. Just don’t worry and don’t say anything to them. Instead, you should allow your success to speak for itself. Keeping a smile on your face takes you a long way. Just don’t use words and smile. Your success will do the rest of the work. Allow your success to make the noise, and by the time they realize, you’ll be light years ahead of them.
14. “Loyalty is a two-way street. You’re getting it from me if I’m asking for it from you.”
In Suits Season 4 Episode 13, Harvey Specter quotes these lines. He has very rightfully said that loyalty is a two-way street. You can only expect something from the other person if you are giving that yourself, and vice versa is also true. No good thing is single-sided. You can expect only those things which even you are providing. Loyalty in return also demands commitment. It is not something that can be easily given. Instead, it has to be earned. Also, learn not to stick your neck out for people who wouldn’t do the same for you.
15. “It’s going to happen because I’m going to make it happen.”
Start taking things in your control and see the magic that follows them. If you decide to do something, no force in the world can stop you. The achievement you wish to get, you’ll achieve it, and you’ll also attain your goals no matter what.
16. “It’s not bragging if it’s true.”
It is not necessary that you always have to tell the truth. Sometimes bragging also does wonders. But it is not bragging if it’s true, so brag a little, and no harm or foul is involved.
17. “Sometimes good guys gotta do bad things to make the bad guys pay.”
In Suits Season 1, Harvey Specter quotes this line. The world is about tit for tat, and there is no rule that we always have to be good and keep on suffering. Rather, this is the right time that the bad guys are taught a lesson so that they can not perform their cheap tricks anymore. If a class is taught to them, many others will be saved from suffering the exact result or fate.
18. “Anyone can do my job, but no one can be me.”
Everyone is unique and special in their way. Therefore, a comparison can not and should not be made among various individuals. What person A can do is not necessary but can also be done by person B. So, comparisons are futile. If we talk about doing work, people can learn to do the same job as someone else does. Of course, the time they might require to master that skill depends from person to person. But, if we consider that they have now learned that work and performed it, then it is still not necessary that they’ll be able to complete it with the same perfection. So, Harvey Specter quotes that anyone can do his job, but no one can be him.
19. “I believe in work; I don’t fuck with luck.”
This statement means that the person believes in hustling rather than blindly relying on luck. Harvey Specter is not the man who will sit idly and wait for his chance to shine. Instead, he believes in making things happen through his hard work. People would instead work hard for what they want and not rely merely on luck.
20. “I don’t have dreams; I have goals.”
Harvey Specter knows the difference between a dream and a goal. Dreams are often imaginary, whereas goals are reality. If you want to achieve your goals, it requires time limits and actions. Dreams, however, are just in your head and can go on forever. Rarely do they come closer to becoming a reality. One must have big dreams, but one also needs to make sure that the goals are equally significant. Ultimately it is goals that can come true and not dreams.
21. “That’s the difference between you and me. You wanna lose small; I wanna win big.”
When the opportunity comes, one has to be in charge and utilize it to the best of their abilities. Maintaining a cautious attitude to reduce losses can be seen as a weakness. This will trap you in a position where everything is stagnant, and nothing changes. For obtaining substantial personal rewards, calculated risks need to be taken. But, one needs to avoid taking risks that will lead to doom. This means that finding the right balance is the key and sometimes, expecting a little bit of luck harms no one.
22. “I don’t play the odds; I play the man.”
This phrase is occasionally used in Poker. The idea behind saying this is to manipulate and outplay the opponent by finding a flaw in their character. If you think about it deeply, this statement is true for all situations where whether you will succeed or not depends on the person who is sitting on the other side of the table. The other side plays the game, but you can play the odds in your favor.
23. “I don’t pave the way for people… people pave the way for me.”
That’s a strong line coming from Harvey Specter. It reflects his confidence and the mantras he uses in his life. He doesn’t pave the way for people because he doesn’t allow himself to get used. What he’s rather like is people pave the way for him. It is better to use than to be used. And looking at his character’s strength, people wouldn’t mind doing a thing or two for him.
24. “People respond to how we’re dressed, so like it or not, this is what you have to do.”
In Suits, Harvey Specter is always seen wearing a three-piece tailored suit. One of the first things he always does is instruct Mike to get his case from the tailor. This habit is because Harvey understands very well that people have a habit of judging your personality from the way you dress or your appearance. Your appearance reflects the image that one has of yourself. This is the same thing that people in your surroundings will pick up about you. If you want to be taken seriously by the people around you, like your customer, co-workers, or clients, you must be appropriately dressed. Thus, the physical façade of a person can be a factor in his success.
25. “You always have a choice.”
No matter how challenging the circumstances are, we always have a choice. The consequences of our favorites are something that only we have to deal with. But, it is essential to understand that results will only be there if a selection has been made. In the process, our choices define us and what we stand for. We are always choosing, and sometimes it happens by default. As long as we are conscious, we are making choices. It might be that we are not aware of the process, but it still exists.
26. “Lying to me doesn’t protect me. It betrays me.”
If you choose to be truthful, it allows you to gain the trust of others. With this, a more robust and deep relationship can be built. Also, the one who has a habit of telling the truth will find it much easier to see other people with the same pattern. It is easier to get away with a lie, but it ultimately leads to a worse situation.
27. “Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.”
Harvey Specter mocking dismissed someone’s complaint or argument in the face as he had some more impressive or vital work to do. This is a great line to be told to those who unnecessarily distract or disturb you. Listening to what everyone says is not essential. Instead, what is important is focusing on the work through which you can achieve the greater good. If attention is paid to all the things said around you, then no time will be left for you to score that big goal.
28. “Winners don’t make excuses when the other side plays the game.”
Harvey Specter works at Pearson Hardman and knows he is the best ‘closer’ at this firm. Jessica Pearson, his boss, mentions the same fact several times throughout Suits. However, becoming the best is not the most complex challenge. What takes effort is continuing to be the best and maintaining your position. Harvey knows that he must continue winning lawsuits if he wants the top. He takes great pride in winning cases one after another. Specter’s competitive attitude is what helps him stay at the top.
29. “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
When Mike Ross started working at Pearson Hardman, he worked extremely hard. Harvey Specter noticed him and was impressed. So, he prompts him and takes him under his wing. Mike is very gifted, and he has a photogenic memory. But, this doesn’t mean he just relies on his God-given talents. He is a great success because he combines his skills with his hard-working attitude. Successful people can always be seen pushing themselves even though they might not be as talented or gifted as others.
30. “When you’re backed against the wall, break the goddamn thing down.”
This is a strong line by Harvey Specter. In this, he tries to convey that if you know you are right, never back off. Giving in should never be an option if you believe you are right. If someone tries to sabotage your work, come back even more robust by building allies and hitting back harder. Harvey Specter is not the man who gives up. No matter how many obstacles he faces, he never backs down. Whenever it appears that he has backed into a corner, he finds a way to turn the tables. The lesson here is clear, being in the wrong position doesn’t mean you are out of the game. You need to think out of the box and find a way to make the situation favorable once again,
What would Harvey Specter say?
Harvey Specter will most commonly be heard saying one of his badass lines: “I don’t play the odds, I play the man.” In challenging situations, Harvey Specter can always be seen coming up with things that no one expected. He has excellent talent, values, and attitude. Yet, with all those values, he can win lawsuits and is also a great mentor to his colleagues. His character might be fictional, but he tells a lot of essential truths about life throughout the show. You can not be exactly like him but, at the same time, can take valuable lessons from him.
What type of personality does Harvey Specter have?
An ENTJ personality type describes Harvey Specter. He is quite logical and skilled at achieving his objectives. He is a natural leader because of his charisma and ambition. He is incredibly self-assured and driven, and he will persevere until he succeeds in his goals.
Harvey is an ENTJ who enjoys a challenge. This personality type finds it keeps things interesting.
Harvey has a reasonable outlook on life and appreciates intellectually challenging conversations with opponents. ENTJs typically live in a world of possibilities and are able to envision how a situation might develop in the future.
Harvey is tactical and enjoys thinking up creative, effective answers to issues. Harvey can get irritated in certain circumstances.
He places a high priority on relationships and helping others. Additionally, Harvey enjoys being recognized, and pleasure is important to him.
Harvey is an example of the Enneagram Three personality type, who tend to be quite successful in their lives. Harvey is exceptionally good at reading people and easily adjusts to various social situations. He enjoys a challenge and always has a strategy in place to accomplish his objectives, which he faithfully executes.