From savvy business insights to unshakeable confidence and the occasional touch of sarcasm, Harvey from Suits has delivered a treasure trove of unforgettable lines of Harvey Specter.
The American legal drama Suits enjoyed a successful eight-year run spanning nine seasons on the USA Network. This collection brings you the finest quotes from co-lead Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht. The series revolves around the dynamic duo of Harvey and Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, armed with a photographic memory, secures a job with the accomplished lawyer. As they navigate the challenges of a fictional NYC law firm, Harvey’s awareness of Mike’s unconventional background doesn’t hinder their success. Choosing to keep Mike’s secret, Harvey’s courtroom brilliance and extensive knowledge make them an unstoppable and effective team.
The Suits cast experienced a few alterations over the years, culminating in Mike’s departure from the show. Nevertheless, Macht remained a constant presence, and his character’s enduring impact played a pivotal role in the series’ success across its nine seasons. While the show may be widely recognized today due to Meghan Markle’s involvement, Harvey Specter undeniably stood as the true linchpin, delivering some of the most memorable quotes and resolving cases with an unmatched finesse. Renowned for its clever banter and gripping plotlines, Suits solidifies its place as one of the finest legal dramas in American television, and here, we present the crème de la crème of Harvey quotes from the show.
That’s The Difference Between You And Me. You Wanna Lose Small, I Wanna Win Big.
- Season 2, Episode 5, “Break Point”
An iconic Suits quote that encapsulates Harvey Specter’s character emerges from the standout Season 2 episode, ‘Break Point.’ It’s no secret that Harvey is willing to push boundaries to secure victories in court. Whether it’s through bluffing, persuasive tactics, or cashing in a favor or two, Harvey has consistently relied on these methods. Winning holds immense significance for him because, in Harvey’s worldview, there are only two types of lawyers — winners and losers, and he unapologetically identifies as the former. Uttering these words in a critical moment during Season 2, when his career hung in the balance, Harvey demonstrated his unwavering commitment to success, refusing to concede even when faced with adversity.
I Don’t Play The Odds, I Play The Man.
- Season 2, Episode 6, “All In”
In the series premiere, while on the hunt for a new associate, Harvey conveyed to Donna his desire for ‘another me’ and instructed her to give a subtle signal when an applicant displayed cleverness. The eventual hire, however, defied conventional expectations – a college dropout lacking a law degree but possessing a razor-sharp wit. Harvey, undeterred by the unorthodox choice, took Mike under his wing, imparting the knowledge needed to ascend the ranks and become a top-tier lawyer in New York. Harvey’s penchant for unconventional strategies became particularly evident in a pivotal case, yielding one of Suits’ standout quotes. He instilled in Mike the importance of not just understanding opponents but also exploiting their vulnerabilities, encapsulated in the phrase: ‘play the man.
I’m Against Having Emotions, Not Against Using Them.
- Season 1, Episode 10, “The Shelf Life”
“Another standout Suits quote emerges late in the first season, marking a pivotal moment in defining Harvey Specter’s character. The scenario unfolds when Mike and Harvey find themselves in the challenging position of firing Stan Jacobson, the Senior Vice President of Dreibach Accounting, who has worked there for the past nine years without a diploma. Given Mike’s ethical dilemma, he questions Harvey’s stance on emotions, asking, ‘I thought you were against emotions?’ Harvey’s quick-witted response, ‘I’m against having emotions, not against using them,’ encapsulates his pragmatic and strategic approach. This quote underscores Harvey’s ruthless determination to leverage any available means to secure victory, showcasing him as a shrewd tactician in the legal arena.”
Winners Don’t Make Excuses.
- Season 1, Episode 12, “Dog Fight”
“During the Season 1 finale, as Mike faced an unreliable adversary in his mock trial while Harvey grappled with a substantial real-world legal challenge, Harvey imparted another crucial lesson with a standout Suits quote. Emphasizing the significance of the mock trial, Harvey underscored that it was an opportunity for Mike to discern the kind of lawyer he aspired to become. The pivotal advice was clear: to achieve victory, Mike needed to strategize on overcoming his opponent, regardless of the challenges presented by the case at hand.”
When You Are Backed Against The Wall, Break The Godd*mn Thing Down.
- Season 8, Episode 15, “Stalking Horse”
“Harvey’s tenacity knows no bounds, as evidenced by one of his standout Suits quotes. Regardless of the obstacles thrown his way, Harvey refuses to yield. Even when it appears he’s cornered with no apparent escape, Harvey consistently demonstrates an uncanny ability to turn the tide. A prime example is seen in the episode “Stalking Horse” when Donna’s relationship complicates Harvey’s deal. Rather than succumbing to limitations, Harvey employs creative thinking to overcome challenges. The takeaway is crystal clear: being in a tough spot doesn’t mean being out of the game entirely. The key is to think innovatively, outside the box, and find a strategic path around the obstacles.”
You Don’t Send A Puppy To Clean Up Its Own Mess.
- Season 1, Episode 5, “Bail Out”
“In an unexpected turn of events, Harvey finds himself detained by the police following a car accident. Delegating a crucial client meeting to Mike, confident in his abilities, Harvey believes there’s no room for error. However, Mike’s handling of the situation leads to disappointment from both Harvey and Jessica. In his attempt to rectify the mistake with the client, Mike inadvertently exacerbates the situation, resulting in one of Suits’ most unforgettable quotes. This scenario underscores the reality that while owning up to mistakes and making amends is commendable, there are instances where others must step in to address and rectify the aftermath of a misstep.”
What Are Your Choices When Someone Puts A Gun To Your Head?
- Season 1, Episode 2, “Errors and Omissions”
“In a standout episode from Season 1, when Louis resorted to blackmailing Mike, essentially putting him in a high-pressure situation, Mike reluctantly complied, attempting to make the best of a dire circumstance. However, Harvey disagreed with Mike’s resigned perspective and delivered one of Suits’ most memorable quotes. When Mike asserted that his only option was to comply or face metaphorical ‘gunfire,’ Harvey admonished him, stating, ‘Wrong! You take the gun, or you pull out a bigger one. Or, you call their bluff. Or, you do any one of a hundred and forty-six other things.’ While Harvey’s words may be heightened for effect, the essence of his message remains profound—he wanted to convey to Mike that there are always alternatives and choices, even in seemingly impossible situations.”
I Refuse To Answer That On The Grounds That I Don’t Want To.
- Season 1, Episode 5, “Bail Out”
“Frequently hailed as one of Harvey’s most memorable quips and a standout among the best Suits quotes, this particular remark would likely never pass muster in a formal court setting. Nevertheless, Harvey Specter showcases his penchant for living by his own set of rules when he takes the stand as a witness in a civil suit involving his driver. In a testament to his legal prowess, the resourceful lawyer somehow maneuvers through this unconventional strategy, though it’s essential to note that such tactics should never be attempted in a real-life courtroom. Despite the legal impracticality, this quote remains a hallmark of Harvey Specter’s character, defining his audacious and iconic approach to life.”
I Don’t Have Dreams, I Have Goals.
- Season 3, Episode 6, “The Other Time”
“While there exists a multitude of quotes extolling the value and significance of dreams, Harvey Specter contends that sometimes aspirations alone may not suffice. In contrast to Eleanor Roosevelt’s sentiment that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” Harvey places emphasis on the need for more tangible objectives, like goals. This perspective becomes evident in Season 3 when Harvey achieves the status of senior partner. Donna referred to it as a dream realized, but Harvey, with one of his indelible one-liners, corrected her, encapsulating the moment with yet another memorable Suits quote that effortlessly lodges itself in the minds of the audience.”
Life Is This. I Like This.
- Season 1, Episode 10, “The Shelf Life”
Harvey Specter has consistently laid bare his identity, often giving rise to some of the most memorable Suits quotes. His penchant for the finer things in life is evident, and he fearlessly pursues them. From the outset of his career at the firm, he toiled relentlessly to establish his value and carve out a prominent reputation. Harvey, driven by a clear vision of the life he aspired to lead, navigated the path to becoming a lawyer and constructing a prosperous career. In a defining moment from Season 1, he elucidated to a young Mike Ross why he pursues success: “Life is this” (motioning slightly above the table), and then with a gesture above his head, “I like this.” This Harvey Specter quote encapsulates the essence of his character and epitomizes what made Suits so compelling to watch.
