In 1965 an unforgettable warning
Paul Harvey’s 1965 Warning: “If I Were the Devil”
1. A Broadcast Ahead of Its Time
In 1965, Paul Harvey imagined what the Devil might do to corrupt a nation—not through force, but subtly from within.
What once sounded like dramatic commentary now feels eerily prescient.
2. Corruption from Within
Harvey warned: “If I were the Devil, I would whisper: ‘Do as you please.’
I’d tell the young that the Bible is a myth…
I’d take God out of the courthouse, the schoolhouse—and even out of the churches.”
He spoke of eroding faith, dividing families, and replacing truth with opinion.
3. Reflection, Not Nostalgia
Without the internet or social media,
Harvey foresaw a world where morality is mocked and comfort outweighs conscience.
Listeners then heard a clever monologue; today, many see a mirror.
4. The Forgotten Principle
He concluded with a timeless reminder:
“Self-government won’t work without self-discipline.”
Perhaps it’s the line society needs most today.