I Know It When I See It Quotes

#1. I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material but I know it when I see it.

Potter Stewart

#2. Passion is hard to define, but I know it when I see it.

Thom S. Rainer

#3. The pilot says, "Where do you want to go?" and that's always a rather existential question, because naturally I think a bit about where I want to go, but of course I can't really know where I want to go, in advance. I know it when I see it.

Michael Light

#4. I shall not attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description (of pornography), and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.

Potter Stewart

#5. I make images from things I find serendipitously. I don't know what it is, but I know it when I see it. It could be from a newspaper, on the street. It could be something I fell over.

Nate Lowman

#6. I know some people see it as this success when the book is finally made into a movie - that marks its success. I don't see it that way.

Robin Hobb

#7. I know about people who talk about suffering for the common good. It's never bloody them! When you hear a man shouting "Forward, brave comrades!" you'll see he's the one behind the bloody big rock and the wearing the only really arrow-proof helmet!

Terry Pratchett

#8. I can't, Caro, it's out of my hands now. But I promise it's temporary. I just ... after all this time ... I wanted us to be able to spend more than a few hours together." He stared at his hands. "I don't know when I'll see you again," he mumbled. "I've already waited ten years.

Jane Harvey-Berrick

#9. I know talent when I see it. I know frauds when I see 'em. I know players that can play and can't play.

Keyshawn Johnson

#10. When I see you smile and know that it is not for me, that is when I will miss you the most.

Anonymous

#11. Now, having had this experience, I can't say really what they were looking for. I don't know their minds. But every time I see a reality show, it seems that the most entertaining parts on other reality shows are when they make their guests look foolish.

Liza Minnelli

#12. The way I see it, life is a jelly doughnut. You don't really know what it's about until you bite into it. And then, just when you decided it's good, you drop a big glob of jelly on your best T-shirt.

Janet Evanovich

#13. When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's suppose to be
And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I'm loving what I see

India.Arie

#14. Ah, Hah! But you see, Baron, I know as a Mentat when you will send the executioner. You will hold back just so long as I am useful. To move sooner would be wasteful and I'm yet of much use. I know what it is you learned from that lovely Dune planet - waste not? True, Baron?
-Piter De Vries

Frank Herbert

#15. My first novel - the novel I wrote before 'Midnight's Children' - feels, to me, now, very - I mean, I get embarrassed when I see people reading it. You know, there are some people who, bizarrely, like it. Which I'm, you know, I'm happy for.

Salman Rushdie

#16. And can you get this girl something with a laxative effect?" I add to the waitress, refusing to spare Sophie a glance as I slide my menu back into place. "My treat. I just can't stand to see someone so full of shit, you know? Especially when her boyfriend keeps feeding her more of it.

Dahlia Adler

#17. What I know is that she sets me on fire, and if you were to perform an intradermal test on me, you'd know when she was in it because you'd see the trails of blaze she left behind. Because that's what I feel at the mere thought of her, and I'd rather live my life in flames than be numb without her.

Claire Contreras

#18. I've never feared death before. I've always been willing to die. Sometimes I even welcomed it, wishing for this all to be over and finally find peace in an endless sleep. But when I look at you, I see possibility, and I start to do what I know better than to do - I wonder

Emalynne Wilder

#19. I mean, I know it shouldn't matter. Everyone says it's what's inside that counts. Unfortunately, that just isn't the case for the vast majority of society. Even when they claim they see you for who you are, they usually don't. And you find that out sooner or later, no matter how much it hurts.

Alanis Knight

#20. My life - autism's an important part of it, but it bothers me when I see kids where autism and their autism is the only thing they think about. I'd rather have them think about, you know, some art work they were gonna do or some science they wanted to do.

Temple Grandin

#21. I'll win the way
I always do
by being gone
when they come.

When they look, they'll see
nothing of me
and where I am
they'll not know.

This, I thought, is my way
and right or wrong
it's me. Being dead, then,
I'll have won completely.

Robert Creeley

#22. When I was in New York, the whole vibe was really just not matching with me. I was kind of super depressed in New York. It just had this vibe of 'Get out,' you know? I would try to get out, and we'd look back and just see the city and feel like, 'Oh, I have to go back to prison again.'

Gallant

#23. It isn't a matter of how long, or even how much you know. It's a way of looking at things, how much you see and how you think. I suppose it's, well, perspective ... When you start seein' five sides to a four-sided object, that's when you get the gray robe.

Hilari Bell

#24. When I see those ads with the quote 'You'll have to see this picture twice,' I know it's the kind of picture I don't want to see once.

Pauline Kael

#25. I actually hate reality TV! I know people love it, but when I watch, I'm analytical, and I'm like, 'This can't be real because of the camera position! And I see the cuts!'

Kathryn Prescott

#26. I know it's good when I see a smaller film get recognized because it means more publicity for them. When you start producing and directing the movies become a little more like your children.

Campbell Scott

#27. A good trick I learnt early on is not to immediately look at playback because once you know the shot, you can see when the camera is on you. It's best to stay 'in it' all the time, and just if it's on you, it's on you, and if it's not, it's not. It's the easiest way.

Aidan Turner

#28. Now, I think that I should have known that he was magic all along. I did know it - but I should have guessed that it would be too much to ask to grow old with and see our children grow up together. So now, he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man.

Jackie Kennedy

#29. Maybe sometimes, when I see some kids, you know, with their families. It's making me cry. You know, maybe when I ask them, sometimes, like, 'How does it feel to have a dad?' And, you know, they tell me this great answers, and sometimes I wish my dad was here.

Charice Pempengco

#30. When you see Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master and it's shot on film at 75mm it's ... you know. It's hard to compare. But I still think that digital is close enough, and I think it's getting closer and closer to be ... there's no doubt it's going to be taking over completely unfortunately.

Fredrik Bond

#31. It's always a pleasure to see John. I'm fond of telling people that when I was a young actor in NY and had no work ,no money, you know the story because you're heard it before.

Harvey Keitel

#32. I'm just a man. I think people are reacting to something else when they see me. They're not reacting to me, Eddie Murphy. They don't even know me. It's just luck and the God in me they're reacting to.

Eddie Murphy

#33. I asked him, 'If I had died when I fell from that tree, would I wake up in the Kingdom, freed, like they say?' And do you know what he told me, Miss Pancake? He said, 'The Kingdom of the Father is upon the land, and men do not see it.

Brett Williams

#34. The gay people know where I'm at. Straight people may not know where I'm at, but they find it kind of interesting when they show up and see what is sitting around them.

Lou Reed

#35. know she's hard to deal with right now, but we have to believe that she'll beat this. If we don't, she won't." "I will try, Mom, but it's hard to have faith when I see what she is doing to this family.

Sandra Shrewsbury

#36. You'll grow up soon. I can't wait to see the girl who makes the player settle down. Damn, you're in for a serious shock when you meet the girl who turns your head. You won't know what's hit you; it's gonna be hilarious to watch.

Kirsty Moseley

#37. I'm no spring chicken. The same arthritis that ate up my left hip that finally got replaced hasn't stopped there ... And touring is a lot of work. I'm impressed when I see people like Eric Clapton out there. Gee whiz, Eric, give me a break! I know it's gotta hurt somewhere.

Steve Perry

#38. The children start school now in August. They say it has to do with air-conditioning, but I know sadism when I see it.

Rick Bragg

#39. I don't like it when they [media critics] see me as this little person who doesn't know what to do with herself
like I have no idea what I want, like I'm just a puppet ... That's demeaning to me, because that ain't how it is, and it never was.

Whitney Houston

#40. I know that positive energy begets positive energy. I know that when I decide to see the good in something or someone, it's returned to me tenfold.

Joshua Radin

#41. I like the way you look at me," I said seriously. "Sometimes when you do, your eyes light up, and I think maybe I could be Lucky enough for you to care about a fucked up asshole like me."
"That's love, you know," Raine said with a smile. "I see it in your eyes when you look at me, too.

Shay Savage

#42. I don't know if spirits do indeed roam the world, but even if they do, I will sense your presence everywhere. When I listen to the ocean, it will be your whispers; when I see a dazzling sunset, it will be your image in the sky.

Nicholas Sparks

#43. Uhh... I mean, uh, sorry you had to see that, but you know how it is when you get those, uh, manly urges, and you just gotta kill somethin'...fix things, uh, cook outdoors...

Mulan

#44. It's just what I'm born to do, I'm born to entertain people. I could do it for thirty-thousand people or three people, it's just what I know how to do. My soul objective only is for me to have the audience say 'when's the next time I can see him?' That's what I do.

Mike Tyson

#45. I don't know how to say pretty words. All I can tell you is when I'm with you, it all makes sense. People used to tell me half a life is better than none, but you've made me see everything I've been missing. Loving you has made me whole again.

Felice Stevens

#46. When I wake up and the first thing I see is his face, I know it's going to be a great day.

Aimee Carter

#47. I'm in my truck talking to Jesus. And you can see a World Series ring on my right pinkie finger. But when I take my sunglasses off a second later, it's gone. It's the whole divine intervention thing. You know Jesus had something to do with them winning.

Denis Leary

#48. There was a young man who said though, it seems that I know that I know, but what I would like to see is the I that knows me when I know that I know that I know.

Alan W. Watts

#49. Who do you think you are? Who do you think I am? You only love to see me breaking. You only want me 'cause I'm Taken. No, you don't really want my heart, no you just like to know you can. Still be the one that gets it breaking, you only want me when I'm Taken.

One Direction

#50. I trip off it. You know what's interesting about the makeup is when you get up close and you know he's been working on your face, and you see where the makeup starts and it stops, and how seamless it is. You could look at it for hours.

Eddie Murphy

#51. I can't watch 'Titanic' without breaking down within the first 10 minutes. You know, when it got re-released in 3D, I went to see it again. My mom came to pick me up from the cinema, and I was just bawling my eyes out.

Sophie Turner

#52. If I really want to be heard, I have that command, but a lot of heavy women don't. When I see someone heavy working on television, I say, 'Oh, God, go girl. You do it.' You know, it shouldn't stop your life.

Liz Torres

#53. It's unnatural for people to run around the city streets unless they are thieves or victims. It makes people nervous to see someone running. I know that when I see someone running on my street, my instincts tell me to let the dog go after him.

Mike Royko

#54. I'm just wondering if I'll feel it when it happens. Will I get really full? Like, is there room in me for that? Your cock is ginormous. I don't know how cum will fit, too. I should cum on your cock first to see what that feels like. Cumming on your fingers was spectacular.

Alexa Riley

#55. I get a chance to observe the moon now, I still see those same images I saw when I was six, and it pleases me to know that that part of my childhood is still embedded in me.

Ishmael Beah

#56. I don't know what leadership is. You can't touch it. You can't feel it. It's not tangible. But I do know this: you recognize it when you see it.

Bob Ehrlich

#57. When I first came to America, you know, I would look at the newsstands and see the women on the magazine covers. I had never seen anyone smile the way these girls smile! It's like they have nothing to worry about!

Anchee Min

#58. I ain't acting when I'm on stage. That's why all the little love bugs who'll come and see me at Lovebox love me. They know it's the real me.

Lil' Kim

#59. I don't know what it is you see, and I don't know what you're feeling, but when you bring her between us, something happens inside of me.

Ella Frank

#60. I was desperate, baby. I wasn't lying when I said I couldn't live if you died. I needed to know you were alive. I needed to see you, and now that you're safe. I can't regret it. It sucks, and I know it's not what any of us wanted, but seeing you here, I know it was worth it.

J.M. Darhower

#61. What do you know about him, Celeste?" "I know what I see when I look into his eyes. He's haunted, Nicole. You've seen it, too, haven't you?" She recalled the horrible scars on his back and chest and spoke quietly. "Yes.

Emily March

#62. I'll get it if you need it,
I'll search if you don't see it,
You're thirsty, I'll be rain,
You get hurt, I'll take your pain.
I know you don't believe it,
But I said it and I still mean it,
When you heard what I told you,
When you get worried I'll be your soldier.

Gavin DeGraw

#63. I see myself as a true modernist. Even when I do a traditional gown, I give it a modern twist. I go to the past for research. I need to know what came before so I can break the rules.

Vera Wang

#64. When I see a man with a tidy place I know there's something wrong with him. And if it's too tidy, he's a fag.

Charles Bukowski

#65. When you see something, it can't be unseen. When you hear a sound, it can never be unheard. I know, deep down, that this evening I have learned something that can never be unlearned. And the part of my world that is altered will never be the same.

Cecelia Ahern

#66. When I see everyone rushing in one direction, I know it's time to move the other way.

Armand Hammer

#67. I know there will be spring, as surely as the birds know it when they see above the snow two tiny, quivering green leaves. Spring cannot fail us.

Olive Schreiner

#68. He stares at me, not saying a word. I stare right back, lost in his eyes and determined to get my point across. If he wants to have a staring contest, he'll lose, hands down. I know a good thing when I see it.

J.C. Patrick

#69. It has taken my whole life thus far to see how being brave enough to hold on to a question, brave enough to never stop looking for answers, and brave enough to take action even when I didn't know the right answer, was as brave as I needed to be to succeed and to succeed with love.

Andrea T. Goeglein

#70. I think of talent as being God-given. I know that contradicts what a lot of people believe, but that's how I see it. I think the Beatles were meant to be, you know? So when I listen to Paul McCartney, I think, 'Here's the person that God gave the gift of allowing him to write 'Let It Be.'

Brandon Flowers

#71. I know from doing portraits that you have to look at someone a really long time to see what they're covering up, to see their inside face, and when you do see it, and get it down, that's the thing that makes people freak out about how much a drawing looks like them.

Jandy Nelson

#72. There are a lot of victims when it comes to addiction. I know there's an overdose epidemic. We see those faces. But then I see these other faces - the ones who commit suicide because they can't handle the pain. Those faces mean just as much to me.

Donna Marsh

#73. When I was in Africa, this voice came to me and said, Richard, what do you see? I said, I see all types of people. The voice said, But do you see any niggers? I said, No. It said, Do you know why? 'Cause there aren't any.

Richard Pryor

#74. To me, horror is when I see somebody lying. I mean a person I know. A friend. And he's telling me something that I accept. And then suddenly, as he or she is telling it, there's something that gives them away. They're not telling me the truth.

Jonathan Frid

#75. For each final photograph, I'll have shot loads of film. I suppose people don't see all that. But when someone looks at a piece of work, they know something has gone into it, even if they can't lay their finger on what it is.

Catherine Yass

#76. Now that people know who I am, I get offered plays here and there. It was so much easier to do it when nobody knew who I was. I can't even imagine that somebody would come and pay money just to come and see me now.

John Corbett

#77. I'm a pixy, Rachel. I may look all tough and stuff, but I got wings, and I know infatuation when I see it.

Kim Harrison

#78. It's pretty simple, really: I love the X-Men. They were my favorite heroes when I was a kid. My dad and I collected X-Men comics together, and I know it would have made him proud to see me writing 'Uncanny X-Men.'

Cullen Bunn

#79. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars.

Martin Luther King Jr.

#80. I don't know if I love myself, Max. But I do know that I love you and that you mean it when you say you love me. Maybe I can see myself as that man, the one you love, instead of the one I always see when I look in the mirror.

Avon Gale

#81. It's not so much religion per se, it's false certainty that worries me, and religion just has more than its fair share of false certainty or dogmatism. I'm really concerned when I see people pretending to know things they clearly cannot know.

Sam Harris

#82. I met Gemma, my wife, when she was 12. She had a schoolgirl crush on me and her dad had arranged for her to meet me. Later, she started coming to my concerts, but I only got to know her well after her mother died. I rang to see how she was, and that's how it started.

Gary Numan

#83. I'm a fetish filmmaker, in that I don't know why I do what I do, I just like to see things. When I figure out what I would like to see, I will put it in a film.

Nicolas Winding Refn

#84. All I know is that when you look over at the coaches on the other sideline, and all you see are guys who either coached with you or played for you, then you know it's time to get out.

Sid Gillman

#85. Rhyme is bullshit. Rhyme says that everything works out in the end. All harmony and order. When I see a rhyme in a poem, I know I'm being lied to. Go ahead, laugh! It's true - rhyme's a completely bankrupt device. It's just wishful thinking. Nostalgia.

Tobias Wolff

#86. Not one song on the charts is being played naturally. But when you go see someone live it's special. Even though you can fool people, I know there are people out there who still play along to tapes.

Roger Glover

#87. Her - I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you

Harper Lee

#88. And I know how many DJ pools have grown and I know how DJing has grown in the overall, but that was the technical side of it to me. DJs were rolling around, looking for stuff to buy and looking to see what was in the store when they get there.

Jam Master Jay

#89. I see the love in my child's eyes when he sees me, and I know it's gigantic. As an older person, I've been in love before, and I've loved, but this is really an immense, out-of-control-proportion amount of love that you can't even describe.

Kevin Nealon

#90. You know all my life I've hated funerals. The fuss and bother never brings anybody back. It just spoils remembering them as they really are. And when I see people actually facing it that way, I have to act like a sap.

Jules Furthman

#91. I wish she had half a clue what seeing that happy face does for me. I can't quite explain it to myself, but I really wish she could know. It's like when she does it, it's all I can see and I want more of it. Especially after the day we've had. I always want her making happy faces.

Melyssa Winchester

#92. The weirder you're going to behave, the more normal you should look. It works in reverse, too. When I see a kid with three or four rings in his nose, I know there is absolutely nothing extraordinary about that person.

P. J. O'Rourke

#93. If you make a movie about Elizabeth I, how much of the dialogue is her real words? Audiences know when they go see a movie that it is fiction.

Jean-Jacques Annaud

#94. Oh, I don't know about that, Jericho. See, when it comes to the bedroom, The Game always came up a little bit ... short.

Stephanie McMahon

#95. I'd had years of practise looking dumb when people threw out Greek names I didn't know. It's a skill of mine. Annabeth keeps telling me to read a book of Greek myths, but I don't see the need. It's easier just to have folks explain stuff.

Rick Riordan

#96. You asked why the rate hate Overlanders so deeply. It is because they know one will be the warrior of the prophecy," said Vikus.
"Oh, I see," said Gregor. "So, when's he coming?"
Vikus fixed his eyes on Gregor. "I believe he is already here.

Suzanne Collins

#97. I think that when you first read material or you first read a script or story and know you might be playing a part, it's important not to see yourself because it should be a challenge enough that it doesn't come easy.

Ansel Elgort

#98. I'm no mathematics whizz, but even I know that when the variables start piling up, it's time to ditch the equation and see if you can find a cheat sheet.

David E. Manuel

#99. Mom, I feel good. This dress makes me feel like someone I didn't know I could be. I've never owned anything like it. But if when you see this - when you see me- you think it's a pity, that it's a shame I didn't lose a few, then screw you, Mom. Try harder.

Julie Murphy

#100. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe nothing's wrong and I'm just paranoid. I'll know when they come in. I'll see it in their faces.

Carla Speed McNeil