The philosophy, culture, and lifestyle of Beat Generation youth in the 1950s-60s, emphasizing artistic expression, rejection of materialism, and spiritual exploration.
From 'beatnik' (Beat Generation member) + '-ism' (system/philosophy). 'Beatnik' itself combines 'beat' (exhausted, or playing beat music) + 'sputnik' (Russian satellite, suggesting youthful novelty).
Beatnikism was a genuinely revolutionary attitude—these mostly white, middle-class kids rejected the post-WWII consumer dream their parents fought for, pioneered counterculture, and basically invented the template for every youth rebellion since, from hippies to punks.
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