The hippie movement was a dynamic and evolving phenomenon, so understanding the nuances of their characteristics requires specifying the time frame.
For example, were you interested in:
* The early days of the hippie movement (1960s)? This period saw a surge in experimentation with psychedelic drugs, rejection of traditional values, and embrace of counterculture.
* The late 1960s and early 1970s? This time was marked by the rise of anti-war protests, alternative lifestyles, and communal living.
* The later stages of the hippie movement (mid-1970s onward)? The focus shifted towards personal growth, spiritual exploration, and environmentalism.
Once you provide the time period, I can give you a more accurate and nuanced description of what hippies were like!