For instance, it might make sense for Satan to help give his followers technological advancements. For example, in the Book of Mormon, it's the Nephites that first think of two things: 1) armor and 2) walls and towers around their cities. They were inspired by God to do these two things. The Lamanite armies just copied the Nephites after they had seen it. My question is, why didn't the Lamanites think of it first? They obviously weren't as innovative or thoughtful, but why?
One could argue the following: 1) Satan had definitely seen these innovations such as armor and fortified cities at earlier points in the history of the world. 2) Satan can influence people; he does, he influences them for bad. 3) If Satan let his followers know about the innovations, they could have killed off the Nephites more quickly and then none of their posterity would have been righteous and none of the Lamanites in the future would have been converted to the gospel (which did happen; for a time the Lamanites were more righteous than the Nephites). 4) Therefore, Satan had incentives and the ability to inspire his followers to advance technologically.
So why didn't/doesn't he?
Because he doesn't care about people. He doesn't love. This keeps him from thinking about the long-term. He won't ever help people in the short-term so it will help his cause in the long-term. He just wants people to do bad things, period. His lack of love and concern for people keeps him from being as powerful, long-term, as he could be.
It's a lesson for us. Why do we want to become like God - kind, loving, etc.? Because it is the best way to live. Also, over the long-term it's a much more powerful and effective way to live. Satan is hindered because of who he is, a selfish person. As we become more like Heavenly Father and love more, we'll become more effective in life.
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