The first hippies: A forgotten counterculture
The first hippies: A forgotten counterculture
Culture

Mon. March 24, 6:30PM

The first hippies: A forgotten counterculture

From free love to far-right extremism—The untold history of the first hippies (in Dutch)

The hippie movement didn’t begin in the 1960s—it started decades earlier, at the turn of the 20th century. Long before Woodstock, psychedelic festivals, and Silicon Valley’s fascination with alternative lifestyles, a generation of dreamers, anarchists, and spiritual seekers rejected industrial modernity and built utopian communes. They preached free love, embraced vegetarianism, experimented with psychedelics, and sought enlightenment in the East.


In his book The First Hippies, historian and journalist Frank Bokern uncovers the forgotten history of these fin de siècle flower children and traces their lasting influence. He reveals an unsettling truth: some of these early nature worshippers, spiritual seekers, and utopians later embraced authoritarianism and far-right ideologies. From the counterculture of the 1960s to today’s climate activists, wellness influencers, and even far-right ideologues, their legacy is far-reaching.


At TheMerode, Bokern will discuss these provocative themes in conversation with radio and TV presenter Bruno Wyndaele, exploring the evolution of countercultures and the contradictions within radical movements. Why do some idealistic movements evolve into oppressive ideologies? How do utopian dreams become breeding grounds for cult-like thinking? And in today’s world—where movements around climate activism, psychedelics, biohacking, and anti-establishment politics are reshaping culture—can we recognize the same patterns repeating?





speaker

Frank Bokern

Frank Bokern is a Dutch author and former journalist known for his in-depth explorations of social and cultural history. With a career spanning over 25 years in journalism and communication, Bokern has worked with renowned media outlets such as NOS and Haagse Post, before turning his focus to writing books that uncover the hidden narratives of societal transformation. His work delves into the worlds of counterculture, urban history, and unconventional communities, shedding light on the movements and figures that have challenged the mainstream—from the slums of Maastricht to the idealistic communes of the early 20th century. His latest book, De eerste hippies, examines how alternative lifestyles and radical ideas have shaped society long before the 1960s, drawing connections between the utopian seekers of the past and today’s sustainability advocates, digital nomads, and culture-makers. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Bokern reveals how the fringes of society often become the wellspring of innovation. His work is a must-read for anyone interested in history, social movements, and the power of unconventional thinking to reshape the world.

moderator

Bruno Wyndaele

Bruno Wyndaele is a Belgian television and radio presenter, producer, and quizmaster known for his sharp intellect and engaging presence. He started in radio at Radio Scorpio and BRT’s Het Vrije Westen before transitioning to television in 1997 with Woestijnvis, where he hosted De Commissie Wyndaele, Wijlen de Week, De Laatste Show, and De Slimste Mens ter Wereld. In 2004, he co-founded De Filistijnen, creating acclaimed programs like De Nieuwste Quiz and Vriend of Vijand. A media innovator, Wyndaele blends entertainment with intellectual depth.
Start
Mon. March 24, 6:30PM
End
Mon. March 24, 9:00PM
Format
TheMerode Talks
Language
Dutch (BE) / Nederlands (BE)
Guest allowed?
Yes, 2 per member

Address

Event
Place Poelaert, 6
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Parking
Parking Poelaert, Place Poelaert 1000 Brussels

Detailed programme

Welcome
Mon. March 24, 6:30PM
Start of the event
Mon. March 24, 7:00PM
Networking
Mon. March 24, 8:00PM
End
Mon. March 24, 9:00PM

Past Event