C.S. Lewis’ ‘Screwtape Letters’ is one of my favorite books.
And if you don’t know the premise, it is essentially one demon coaching another on how to be most effective in their work.
With that in mind, I decided to ask ChatGPT (the world’s leading AI) to roleplay as Satan and how it would go about destroying your and my financial lives.
This is the terrifyingly accurate breakdown of what it said…
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1. Encourage an insatiable appetite for materialism and greed.
Convince him that accumulating wealth and possessions is the primary purpose of his existence. Let him equate success with the abundance of his assets rather than any tiresome notions of spiritual advancement. The more he fixates on earthly treasures, the less he will concern himself with God’s revolting ideals.
2. Foster discontent and envy within him.
Keep his eyes perpetually fixed on what others possess. Instill in him a relentless dissatisfaction, a gnawing sense that he never has enough. This will prompt him to spend recklessly in a futile attempt to “keep up with the Joneses,” diverting his attention from any higher aspirations.
3. Normalize debt and overspending.
Make extravagant living seem not only acceptable but necessary. Portray overspending as a harmless indulgence or even a reward for his hard work. As he becomes burdened by debt, his worries will consume him, leaving little room for God’s influence.
4. Promote selfishness under the guise of self-care.
Encourage him to believe that he “deserves” to lavish resources upon himself excessively. Let him mistake indulgence for self-love, thereby justifying exorbitant spending while neglecting the needs of others.
5. Instill a sense of entitlement.
Make him feel that he is owed certain luxuries and lifestyle standards. This will rationalize any unwise financial decisions he makes in pursuit of these perceived rights, further entangling him in our snares.
6. Undermine the importance of planning.
Discourage him from budgeting or any form of financial foresight. Make planning seem tedious or unnecessary. Without a roadmap, he’ll be more susceptible to impulsive purchases and fiscal chaos.
7. Promote short-term gratification over long-term well-being.
Emphasize the allure of immediate pleasures. Let him prioritize the now, dismissing any thoughts of future stability or the benefits of generosity. Impatience is a valuable ally to our cause.
8. Sow doubt about the impact of his giving.
Make him question whether his contributions truly make a difference. If he believes his generosity is futile, he’ll be less inclined to part with his precious resources, keeping them firmly within our reach.
9. Foster complacency regarding minor financial missteps.
Encourage the notion that small indiscretions are insignificant. These seemingly trivial lapses will accumulate over time, leading to greater transgressions and a gradual descent away from God.
10. Amplify his fear of scarcity. Magnify his anxieties about the future.
Whisper that he must hoard his resources, for there may not be enough tomorrow. This will erode his trust in God’s so-called providence and make him clutch tightly to his wealth, reducing any inclination toward generosity.
Remember…
Our objective is not to provoke dramatic rebellions but to gently nudge the man off course. The most effective road to our Father’s house is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings or milestones.
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Wow. That seems pretty spot-on to me.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below…
Your friend and coach,
