10 Hippie Beliefs from the 60s That Are Still Relevant
via 1960sFashionStyle / YouTube
The 1960s counterculture gave rise to the hippie movement, which challenged societal norms and embraced ideals like peace, freedom, and environmental awareness. While some dismissed these ideas as fleeting trends, many of the beliefs that defined the hippie generation remain meaningful today, shaping modern conversations about society, health, and the planet.
1. Peace Over War
Hippies strongly opposed violence and advocated for peaceful solutions to conflicts. Their anti-war stance during the Vietnam War resonated with people who sought a different approach to global tensions.
Today, peace movements continue to draw inspiration from this belief, emphasizing diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation over aggression and armed confrontation.
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2. Environmental Awareness
The “back to the land” philosophy inspired hippies to live in harmony with nature, focusing on sustainability and conservation long before it became mainstream. They raised awareness about pollution and deforestation.
Their emphasis on preserving the planet laid the groundwork for the modern environmental movement, encouraging actions like recycling, renewable energy use, and habitat protection.
3. Equality for All
Hippies rejected discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, advocating for a society where everyone had equal rights and opportunities. This belief paralleled the civil rights and feminist movements of the time.
Their vision of inclusivity continues to influence efforts toward social justice, from fighting systemic racism to promoting LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
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4. Mindfulness and Meditation
The hippie embrace of Eastern philosophies introduced practices like yoga and meditation to Western audiences. They believed these could help people achieve inner peace and greater self-awareness.
Mindfulness has since become a global phenomenon, with its mental health benefits backed by science. These practices are now part of many daily routines.
5. Organic and Natural Living
Hippies championed natural foods, organic farming, and alternative medicine. They believed in eating fresh, chemical-free produce and using natural remedies for health concerns.
This belief has evolved into the organic food movement, with people seeking cleaner, more sustainable eating habits to benefit their bodies and the environment.
6. Music as a Tool for Change
Hippies viewed music as more than entertainment—it was a way to spread messages of love, unity, and rebellion. Songs of the era reflected their ideals and brought people together.
Music continues to serve as a voice for change, with modern artists addressing issues like climate change, inequality, and mental health through their work.
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7. Community Living
Many hippies formed communes, believing in the value of shared resources and cooperative living. They prioritized connection over material wealth, creating tight-knit communities.
Today, movements like co-housing and intentional communities echo this ideal, offering alternatives to the isolation of modern urban living while promoting sustainability.
8. Questioning Authority
Hippies encouraged people to think critically about societal norms and challenge systems of power that seemed unjust. This belief fostered debates about government policies and cultural values.
This skepticism remains relevant as people advocate for transparency and accountability, whether in politics, corporations, or other institutions.
9. Artistic Expression Without Limits
The counterculture of the 60s celebrated creativity in all forms, encouraging people to express themselves through art, music, and fashion without fear of judgment. This freedom was a rejection of conformity.
Modern art and fashion owe much to this belief, with individuals continuing to push boundaries and celebrate their uniqueness.
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10. Holistic Health
Hippies promoted a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on the connection between body, mind, and spirit. They believed true health required nurturing all aspects of a person’s life.
This approach has influenced modern wellness trends, from integrative medicine to practices like acupuncture, showing the lasting impact of this belief.
