Meaning: This quote by John Mortimer, a renowned English barrister and writer, offers a satirical comparison between the flower children of the 1960s and a congress of accountants. The statement suggests that despite their outward appearance of nonconformity and individuality, the flower children were, in fact, remarkably similar to each other and lacked the depth or intrigue that one might expect from a group of people associated with free-spiritedness and countercultural movements.

During the 1960s, the term "flower children" was used to describe a subset of the hippie movement, characterized by their rejection of mainstream values, advocacy for peace, and their embrace of love, music, and psychedelic experiences. They were often associated with the use of flowers as symbols of peace and love, and were known for their colorful, unconventional clothing and hairstyles. The movement embraced a communal lifestyle, rejecting materialism and embracing an ethos of love and harmony.

On the other hand, a congress of accountants typically conjures an image of conventionality, order, and meticulousness. Accountants are associated with precision, detail-oriented work, and adherence to strict regulations and standards. They are often perceived as conservative and focused on numbers and regulations rather than on creativity or individual expression.

Mortimer's comparison between these two seemingly disparate groups serves as a commentary on the paradoxical nature of the flower children movement. While they presented themselves as champions of individuality and freedom, Mortimer suggests that their collective behavior and conformist attitudes rendered them as uniform and uninteresting as a group of accountants in a professional setting.

This quote can also be interpreted as a critique of the superficiality and lack of substance within certain countercultural movements. Despite the outward appearance of rebellion and nonconformity, the flower children may have been, in Mortimer's view, merely conforming to a different set of societal norms and expectations. Their collective behavior and lack of individuality may have undermined the very values they sought to embody.

Furthermore, Mortimer's comparison challenges the romanticized perception of the flower children and serves as a reminder that movements and groups often contain inherent contradictions and complexities. While the flower children may have espoused ideals of freedom and individuality, their conformity to certain fashions, behaviors, and beliefs may have obscured the genuine diversity and depth of their individual experiences and perspectives.

In conclusion, John Mortimer's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of conformity and individuality within countercultural movements. By juxtaposing the flower children with a congress of accountants, Mortimer challenges the perceived nonconformity and individuality of the former, suggesting that they may have been more alike and less interesting than commonly believed. This quote encourages a critical examination of the complexities and contradictions inherent in movements and serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine individuality and diversity within any collective endeavor.