Moral Equivalent of War speech

The Moral Equivalent of War speech was a televised address made by President Jimmy Carter of the United States on April 18, 1977.

[2][3] Carter used the phrase from the classic essay "The Moral Equivalent of War," which was derived from the speech given by the American psychologist and philosopher William James, delivered at Stanford University in 1906, and the subsequent book, published in 1910, in which "James considered one of the classic problems of politics: how to sustain political unity and civic virtue in the absence of war or a credible threat" and "sounds a rallying cry for service in the interests of the individual and the nation."

[4][5][6] In the news media, and following neither congressional action nor public mobilization,[7] Carter's "Moral Equivalent of War" speech and his energy recommendations became known by its biting acronym, MEOW.

[8] Carter noted that the energy crisis was likely to progressively worsen and could result in a national catastrophe.

Ten principles were introduced: Goals we set for 1985: Additionally, Carter stated that those who insist on driving large, unnecessarily powerful cars must expect to pay more for that luxury.