If I Were the Devil: From Paul Harvey To Today’s Viral Warning On Motherhood

Paul Harvey, one of America’s most iconic radio broadcasters, captivated millions with his prophetic commentaries on culture, faith, and morality. Among his most famous monologues was "If I Were the Devil," a chilling warning about the erosion of traditional values in America. 

First aired in 1965, Harvey’s words painted a picture of how evil would gradually corrupt society—undermining faith, weakening families, and promoting moral decay. Over the decades, his speech evolved, with various versions incorporating new cultural shifts, yet the core message remained the same: a stark caution about the dangers of losing sight of foundational moral principles.

The impact of "If I Were the Devil" was profound. Many listeners found it eerily prophetic, pointing to its predictions as a reflection of modern societal struggles. Its religious and moral undertones resonated deeply with conservative audiences, reinforcing their concerns about declining values. 

Harvey’s credibility as a respected broadcaster made his message all the more influential, and the emotional, almost poetic nature of his speech cemented its place as a timeless cultural warning. Even today, his words continue to circulate on social media, sparking discussions on how society has changed since his original broadcast.

In 2025, a new viral video has emerged, borrowing the structure and theme of Harvey’s original piece but focusing on a more specific target—motherhood. Titled "If I Were the Devil, How Would I Make Women Despise Motherhood?" this modern adaptation applies Harvey’s method of cultural analysis to a contemporary issue: the shifting perception of motherhood in Western society.

The video outlines a step-by-step approach to how one might distort and devalue motherhood, turning what was once seen as a sacred, fulfilling role into something burdensome and undesirable. Here’s how that might play out:

Promote the Idea That Motherhood Is a Trap – Convince women that having children will ruin their dreams, limit their potential, and chain them to a life of servitude. Frame it as a loss of identity rather than a transformation.

Glorify Career Over Family – Elevate professional success as the only true path to fulfillment while portraying motherhood as menial and unimportant. Make women believe that their worth is measured only by their productivity in the workforce, not by the love and guidance they give to their children.

Make Children Seem Like a Burden – Emphasize the hardships of motherhood—sleepless nights, financial strain, loss of freedom—while downplaying the joys, rewards, and purpose that come with raising a family.

Encourage Self-Centeredness – Promote a culture of hyper-individualism where personal pleasure, convenience, and self-fulfillment take priority over sacrifice, duty, and love.

Redefine Feminism – Shift the feminist movement from advocating for equal rights to rejecting traditional femininity and motherhood. Convince women that true empowerment means rejecting their natural ability to nurture life.

Normalize Childlessness – Push the idea that having children is just one of many equally valid lifestyle choices, and then go further—frame it as an outdated, unnecessary, or even irresponsible choice in light of environmental and economic concerns.

Destigmatize Abortion While Promoting Contraception as the Default – Make abortion seem like an easy, normal solution to an “unwanted” pregnancy, and encourage widespread contraception use in ways that separate sex from its natural consequences.

Undermine Family Structure – Promote unstable relationships, divorce, and casual sex while discouraging marriage and commitment. If families break down, women are less likely to see motherhood as part of a meaningful, stable life.

Mock Traditional Motherhood – Portray stay-at-home moms as weak, unambitious, or oppressed. Fill media with images of unhappy mothers and “cool,” child-free women who are living their best lives.

Exploit the Power of Media and Entertainment – Use movies, TV shows, and social media to glorify independence, partying, and career-driven lifestyles while making motherhood seem outdated or exhausting.

The video concludes with a powerful statement: "By reshaping cultural narratives, shifting priorities, and exploiting natural fears and insecurities, you could fundamentally alter how women view one of the most natural and fulfilling aspects of human existence."

Much like Harvey’s original "If I Were the Devil," this modern take strikes a chord with audiences who feel that core values are under attack. Many see parallels between the warning in Harvey’s speech and the cultural shifts that have taken place over the last few decades—particularly regarding family and gender roles. The viral spread of the video suggests that it taps into a widespread concern that the traditional view of motherhood is being devalued in today’s society.

In an era where media and societal narratives wield immense power, the messages we consume shape our worldview more than ever before. The rise of digital platforms has allowed cultural shifts to accelerate at unprecedented rates, making it crucial to reflect on how these narratives influence personal and collective values. This video challenges viewers to examine whether modern portrayals of motherhood genuinely empower women or subtly discourage them from embracing one of life’s most profound experiences.

Both Harvey’s original monologue and this new adaptation serve as cautionary tales about the power of cultural messaging. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the perspective, they highlight the importance of examining how societal narratives shape our understanding of fundamental human roles like motherhood.

As these discussions continue to gain traction, one thing is clear: the influence of "If I Were the Devil" endures, now inspiring new generations to reflect on the world around them—and the forces that shape it.

You can listen to Harvey's Original recording below as well as the new viral video making the rounds: