In July 1979, amid the energy crisis, President Jimmy Carter delivered a sermon-like address, challenging Americans to confront their personal failings contributing to public issues.
Carter stated, 'Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns,' emphasizing that material possessions do not fulfill deeper needs for meaning.
He warned against society's obsession with consumption, believing that embracing thrift could help address issues like environmental damage, energy dependence, and political extremism.
Despite an initial spike in approval ratings, Carter's speech faced backlash, earning the label 'malaise speech' as critics accused him of unfairly blaming Americans for national problems.
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