In the realm of broadcasting, very few names have made as significant a mark as Paul Harvey.
With a broadcasting career that spanned almost five decades, Harvey's deep, resonating voice and insightful commentary made him a beloved figure for countless American listeners. From the 1950s through the 1990s, his show reached an estimated 25 million people every week.
One of the most memorable and intriguing broadcasts from his storied career is a prediction he made in 1965.
Opening with the provocative words, "If I were the Devil…" Harvey painted a chilling image of a society grappling with challenges eerily similar to the ones we face today. Through this imaginative yet forewarning narrative, Harvey describes the erosion of cultural values, the undermining of family units, and the deepening of societal divides.
"If I were the devil, I would whisper that the Bible was a myth. I would convince them that man created God, instead of the other way around," Harvey said, pointing towards a potential shift from spiritual belief to skepticism. And as we peer into the society of today, the rise of secularism and the waning influence of organized religion cannot be ignored.
Harvey's warning continued: "I would soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves." Now, more than half a century later, we can draw parallels to the fragmentation of families, religious institutions grappling with modern issues, and an increasingly polarized political landscape.
One particularly poignant observation he made was the transformation of cultural symbols: "I would make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas a bottle." These words hint at the increasing commercialization of religious festivals and the possible diminishing of their spiritual significance. In a world saturated with advertisements and consumerism, Harvey's statement has indeed taken on a reflective significance.
His insight into the changing perspectives on marriage and societal norms also stands out: "I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned and that swinging is more fun, and what you see on TV is the way to be…” Today's trends in marriage and relationships do seem to echo Harvey's prediction. While the modern perspective on marriage and relationships has brought about significant and, in many ways, positive change, Harvey's words remind us to be cautious about getting swayed by popular culture without critical examination.
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It's truly astounding that back in 1965, at a time when American society was on the cusp of significant changes—ranging from civil rights movements to the digital revolution—Harvey's vision could foresee the potential challenges the nation would face.
While some might argue that he was merely expressing concerns that have perennially existed, the specifics of his prediction, and their resonance today, are undeniably impressive.
In reflecting on Harvey's 1965 prophecy, the question isn't about lamenting the past or yearning for a bygone era, but about drawing lessons from our history and using them as a beacon for the future.
By presenting this narrative, Harvey may have wanted to alert his listeners to the potential pitfalls ahead. Today, we can use his words as a reminder to strive for unity, preserve our values, and ensure that while we evolve and adapt to changing times, we do so with wisdom and foresight.
This is just a small part of Harvey's speech, but you can already see just how true it has become today! These days, there are fewer marriages among young people than ever before, with many ditching the practice altogether.
Many are turning away from Christ, and our nation is more divided politically than ever before. Back in 1965, people could not imagine that what Harvey said would come true as literally as it has. It's sad that our country has gotten to this point, and we can only hope that we are somehow able to turn things around to get back to where we were decades ago.
Check out Harvey's full speech below.
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I remember this just like it was yesterday… I was in a car listening to Paul Harvey.
His advice was awesome and SHOULD HAVE been heeded. Unfortunately, not enough people paid any attention & did something positive – NOW we are getting closer to where he warned us about. It is MY generation (from the 60s) that didn’t listen and are the cause of the failing ideals being used by today’s adults! Sad lesson I hope the young adults of today realize and reverse for THEIR children’s sake!
+I remember scoffing about it thinking that aw, that could never happen in the America I knew. The truth is stranger than fiction.
I well remember his predictions while listening to my car radio. At that time I was 18 and a sophomore in college. I was thinking OMG if this is what will happen we’re in for a rude awakening and then it started happening. Our young men , the boys I went to school with would be going off to war in a third world country most of us hadn’t really ever thought about. Life was changing rapidly and IMO, not for the better at that time.
We can’t go back or change yesterday and I wouldn’t want to. There are far more good times to remember in our now 58 years of marriage.
Learn from the past. Keep the good memories, especially the ones that make you smile and laugh, and keep moving forward.
I Rembert this prediction and its the same one that’s going on now that’s about the same time that I started going to a evangelist type church and now that type of church is growing bigger because the people want to learn more about God and not the bull that is going in regular church’s like the one with the pope leading it with the blessing the Trans. movement along with the other Sins listed in the bible where people like me know Its wrong but as the Lord teaches us we try to teach what the bible says but thru the Love of God
And what single thing made his prediction come true, more than anything else?
Yes, you’re correct; WOMEN VOTING.
Women see government as their true father, husband and supply/safety net. That’s why they vote for more Big Daddy government.
Government, forcibly, of course, takes from men and gives to women; for votes.
This is why American women have over a hundred rights that men don’t have and men have no rights that women don’t have. IRREFUTABLE FACT
If America were any more of a gynocentric matriarchy, men would all have leashes attached to their necks.
Women voting destroys everything.