This essay was written during a time when the Hippie Movement was in full bloom. While the hippies pushed some virtuous messages such regard for the planet and a renewed effort to achieve freedom from war, its relentless iconoclasm was averse to the rule of law as the basis of democracy. This was a serious mistake. I think Rand is speaking to this Movement in her essay. Bogus philosophers emerged to fill the void created by war, faulty leadership, and rampant consumerism. In my opinion, the latter still presents a threat to freedom in the sense that materialism may substitute for the attainment of more lofty goals. While many of the weaknesses of the Hippie Movement did not pan out, some of the better ideas have been integrated into mainstream society and have had a largely beneficial effect. As with anything, there is a balance at which point the greatest freedom can be obtained.