In 1965, Paul Harvey’s Prophetic Warning Resonates More Than Ever Today
Paul Harvey was a renowned news commentator whose distinct voice and staccato delivery made him a household name across America. For decades, his insightful broadcasts captivated millions of listeners, with his reach peaking at over 24 million people. Harvey’s ability to connect with his audience and provide thought-provoking commentary made him an iconic figure in American radio.
While his work covered a wide range of topics, one of his most notable broadcasts was his 1965 speech titled “If I Were the Devil.” This speech, delivered over half a century ago, outlined a chilling vision of what the world might look like under the influence of evil. At the time, it seemed like an exaggerated prediction, a hypothetical scenario intended to warn against moral decay. However, when we examine the state of the world today, Harvey’s words appear eerily prescient.
The Beginning of the Prophecy
Harvey begins his speech by framing the scenario as a first-person reflection, speaking from the perspective of the devil himself. “If I were the Devil,” he says, “I would want to engulf the whole earth in darkness.” He goes on to describe a world where a powerful, malevolent force slowly infiltrates every aspect of society, influencing people’s beliefs, behaviors, and institutions.
He imagines the devil’s strategy as one of subtle manipulation and gradual corruption. Harvey suggests that if he were the devil, he would begin with whispers—small, seemingly innocuous ideas that would slowly erode society’s foundations. These whispers would target different groups, from the young to the elderly, in an effort to reshape their values.
The Devil’s Whispering Campaign
Harvey highlights how the devil would use persuasion and deceit to encourage people to abandon traditional values. “To the young I would whisper ‘The Bible is a myth,’” Harvey states. He imagines the devil encouraging the youth to reject religion and traditional morality, instead embracing self-interest and relativism. He also suggests that the devil would promote the idea that “what is bad is good, and what is good is square,” effectively reversing societal norms and redefining right and wrong.
In the 21st century, these ideas seem more relevant than ever. We see an increasing number of people questioning established beliefs, including the teachings of religion, the importance of community, and the value of personal integrity. The rise of relativism, where truth is seen as subjective, has led to confusion and division, making it easier for false ideologies to take root.
The Moral and Social Decay
Harvey’s prediction about the devil’s influence on the family and society is particularly chilling. He imagines the devil telling the young married couples that “work is debasing” and that “cocktail parties are good for you.” This reflects the growing trend of prioritizing personal pleasure and indulgence over hard work, commitment, and responsibility. The dissolution of family values and the increasing focus on materialism and instant gratification have contributed to a weakening of societal bonds.
Harvey also predicts that the devil would encourage people to be less involved in their religious and civic duties, pushing for a shift in priorities. “In the ears of the young married, I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you,” Harvey imagines the devil saying. This, too, is something we see in modern culture, where individualism often trumps collective responsibilities, and self-interest takes precedence over communal good.
The Erosion of Institutions
Harvey’s speech also touches on the role of institutions in society. He suggests that the devil would seek to infiltrate schools, churches, and even the legal system, undermining their foundations. “I’d designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts and I’d get preachers to say, ‘She’s right,’” he prophesies. He envisions a world where religious values are pushed out of public life, and secular ideologies take center stage.
This vision of the future is not too far from the reality we face today. Across many countries, there is a growing trend toward secularism, and religious institutions are facing pressure to conform to the values of a more liberal, progressive society. In some cases, religious symbols have been removed from public spaces, and religious teachings are being replaced by more secular, politically correct ideologies.
The Social and Political Consequences
The prophecy continues with a prediction that the devil would seek to control the political and social landscape by promoting policies that divide and weaken society. “If I were the devil, I’d take from those who have and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious,” Harvey imagines the devil saying. This statement reflects the growing concerns about economic inequality, wealth redistribution, and the erosion of individual ambition.
We also see increasing polarization in politics today, with divides between different social groups becoming wider. The “us vs. them” mentality has taken hold in many societies, weakening social cohesion and making it harder for people to find common ground. This divide has contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies on both sides of the political spectrum.
The Final Warning
In the final moments of his speech, Harvey paints a dystopian picture of a world controlled by the devil, where families are separated, and society is under constant control. “Then I would separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines and objectors in slave-labor camps,” he concludes. While this extreme vision may seem exaggerated, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of allowing moral decay and division to go unchecked.
The rise of authoritarianism and the loss of individual freedoms in some parts of the world highlight the dangers of unchecked power. As we see increasing surveillance, restrictions on free speech, and the rise of cancel culture, Harvey’s warning feels more pertinent than ever.
Conclusion: The Timeless Relevance of Paul Harvey’s Warning
Paul Harvey’s 1965 speech, “If I Were the Devil,” may have been delivered over five decades ago, but its message remains as relevant today as it was then. His words serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral and social decay, the erosion of traditional values, and the power of subtle manipulation in shaping society.
As we face the challenges of the modern world, it is important to reflect on the lessons from Harvey’s speech. By maintaining strong moral principles, promoting unity, and safeguarding the values that bind us together, we can work toward creating a more just and compassionate world.
Harvey’s prophetic words remind us to be vigilant in protecting the institutions and values that have made society strong. It is up to each of us to ensure that we do not let darkness creep into our lives and our communities, as the consequences could be dire for future generations.
