But there were also many parallels. Caine's little essay is recommended viewing for anyone wishing to understand what that era was all about.

The hippies WERE right, you know? But every renaissance is followed by a period of reaction and retrenchment, and the good that is revealed is oft forgotten, usually until its too late to do the survivors any good.

America's swinging sixties were postponed until the 1970s, and they were darker and more troubled. But I was so lucky to be in my twenties during that time. I may sound like a nostalgic old fool reminiscing about his lost youth, but there it is. It was the best of times. It taught me how to think, and feel, and live and that has never gone away. And I am so grateful I was there to see it all go down.