If I Were the Devil by Paul Harvey - Original 1965 Broadcast

In 1965, Mr. Harvey broadcast "If I Were the Devil." Although it has been over a half a century since the broadcast, Mr. Harvey's words describe our current times well. I've had several comments that this was created with AI. This is absolutely not true. Mr. Harvey recorded this in 1965. I am in no way a participant of, or in favor of artificial intelligence to think for me or to create content for me.

If I were the Devil if I were the Devil

If I were the Prince of Darkness, I'd want to engulf the whole world in darkness,
and I’d have a third of it's real estate, and four-fifths of it's population,
but I wouldn't be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree – thee.
So I'd set about however necessary to take over the United States.
I’d subvert the churches first.
I'd begin with a campaign of whispers with the wisdom of a serpent.
I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve, "Do as you please."
To the young I would whisper that the Bible is a myth.
I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around.
I would confide that what's bad is good and what's good is square.
And the old, I would teach to pray after me, "Our Father – which art in Washington."
And then I'd get organized.
I'd educate authors in how to make Lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting.
I'd threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa.
I'd peddle narcotics to whom I could.
I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction.
I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.
If I were the Devil I'd soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves, until each in it’s turn was consumed.
And with promises of higher ratings, I'd have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.
If I were the Devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions, just let those run wild until before you knew it you'd have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.
Within a decade I'd have prisons overflowing.
I’d have judges promoting pornography.
Soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of congress.
And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science.
I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls and church money.
If I were the Devil I'd make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.
If I were the Devil I would take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.
What will you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich.
I would caution against extremes, in hard work, in patriotism, in moral conduct.
I would convince the young that marriage is old fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on TV is the way to be.
And thus, I could undress you in public and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure.
In other words, if I were the Devil...
I'd just keep right on doing what he's doing.

[donnieporter]

Wow 1965. 59yrs and this has smacked us right in the face.

[katyjbishop]

This needs to be broadcast all over our nation. I remember Paul Harvey from long ago and still miss his voice on the radio.

[VickieMcKie-un]

I am so happy that I was born within Paul Harvey's lifetime. I loved listening to him.

[MichelleWilliams-dipf]

Wow...this is so sad. He is describing today's world....to a tee

[DavidMartin-ymte]

When people say they don't believe in the devil I always say, 'the devil believes in you'.

[DrewBahr]

I’m not a religious person but I’m rethinking my mindset on religion after listening to this, honestly every word he said is relatable to what is happening in the United States today, the devil is real his best trick is convincing you he isn’t real

[mrshifter]

I remember sitting with my family as this aired on WLPM (World's Largest Peanut Market) AM radio, Suffolk Virginia. Dad and mom carried on about it as I went back playing with my Tonka Toy Dump how true it was, that we see today. I am so glad my wife and I accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior 12 years ago. Life has been so much easier, still we have had grief, hurricane disasters, worries on making that payment, trails and we had God protecting us, directing us, caring for here I sit happy with what we have, content with our retirement, thanks be to God. This video really brought back great memories of my see, I had a dad, a a father and was lucky. They tried to keep me from sin, but I was indeed lured into it just like Paul Harvey like. God bless you Good day".

[jameskeen]

My dad and I worked together, we would listen to Paul Harvey at lunch, the rest of the story. I miss them both, would give all my worldly possessions to listen to one more rest of the story with my Dad.

[OnTheWaySoon]

This man was led by the Holy Spirit on this.

[jonfisher]

People need to listen to this once a year.

[islandboy]

He is spot on ! Obviously many of us didnt listen ...here we are

[Justsaying]

What a prophet..he's speaking about 2024 back from 1965.

[HaveFunLetsTravel]

😮😮😮 Was Mr Harvey a time traveler because this sounds like he was talking about this year, 2023. So many things mentioned are happening today. Very scary!!!! 😮😮😮

[nabajojak]

As a 12 Yr old 48 yrs ago when he came over the radio you stop whatever and listen to him .

[highpockets]

Amen Paul Harvey you described 2023 to a T, 58 years ago, amazing.

[TearDrop]

I remember listening to him as a kid.
Didn’t understand it then, but Boy does it make sense today!

[Cowboysfanever]

I heard this years ago and it’s scary how paul is describing our world of today. I have hope though, I know my savior lives and someday soon he will come and take me and my whole family to be with him in paradise. What a glorious time for us and pray fully for whoever is reading this. 🙏🏻

[cmendoza]

My mom loved Paul Harvey. She listened every evening. She knew.

[vernadykes]

Remember this like yesterday He told it like it was😢 Miss him

[RychRage]

Paul Harvey is why I am here. He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, radio voices of all time.