A Thoughtful Radio Message From 1965 That Continues to Inspire Discussion Today

A brief radio commentary recorded in 1965 by broadcaster Paul Harvey has quietly resurfaced in modern conversation—not because it shocks or provokes, but because of how contemplative it feels today. Often associated with the phrase “If I Were the Devil,” the message is neither dramatic nor alarmist. Instead, it unfolds as a measured, imaginative reflection on human behavior and societal change. What once sounded like creative storytelling now feels like an invitation to pause and consider how values can shift gradually, often without anyone noticing until much later.

In the broadcast, Harvey relies on symbolism rather than prediction to convey his ideas. He presents change not as a sudden collapse, but as a slow, almost invisible process shaped by small compromises and everyday distractions. Reflection gives way to noise, responsibility yields to convenience, and comfort slowly becomes more attractive than character. At the time, this style of commentary was familiar to radio audiences and was meant to spark thoughtful discussion rather than fear, outrage, or division.