Mark Twain's Hilarious Thoughts on the Science of Onanism: aka Masturbation

TL;DR

Mark Twain delivered a scandalous and satirical lecture titled "Some Thoughts on the Science of Onanism" to The Stomach Club in 1879, challenging pretense and societal norms surrounding masturbation.

Transcript

Through the latter half of the 19th century, Mark Twain was on a mission to attack pretense with satire. One of his most hilarious, if completely scandalous and by many standards inappropriate, works was a lecture he gave to The Stomach Club in 1879 about masturbation titled, “Some Thoughts on the Science of Onanism.” During the 19th century, medi... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Mark Twain's lecture challenged societal norms and pretense through satire.
• 🤨 The topic of masturbation was taboo during the 19th century, and Twain's lecture aimed to provoke thought and raise awareness.
• 🧡 Historical figures had varied opinions on masturbation, ranging from praising it to ridiculing it.
• ☠️ The withdrawal method, if executed perfectly, can be a relatively effective form of contraception, but other methods such as condoms and oral contraception have higher rates of effectiveness.
• 🇺🇸 The practice of circumcision in the United States grew in popularity during the 19th century as a way to discourage masturbation.
• 🧔‍♀️ Clitoridectomies were also used for a time as a treatment for masturbation in women.
• 🧑‍✈️ Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Clemens, was a renowned writer and steamboat pilot who drew inspiration from the Mississippi River.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Mark Twain choose to give a lecture on masturbation?

Twain used satire in his lecture to challenge societal pretense and highlight the absurdity of the taboo surrounding masturbation. By addressing the topic and referencing influential figures throughout history, he aimed to provoke thought and spark discussions on societal norms.

Q: What were some of the historical figures Twain mentioned and their opinions on masturbation?

Twain mentioned figures such as Homer, Caesar, Robinson Crusoe, Queen Elizabeth, Cetewayo, Benjamin Franklin, and Michelangelo, all of whom either praised or ridiculed masturbation in different contexts, showcasing the varied opinions on the subject.

Q: How effective is the withdrawal method as a means of contraception?

According to a 2008 study, when executed perfectly, the withdrawal method is 96% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, in real-life practice, its effectiveness drops to about 82%. It is important to note that other contraceptive methods such as condoms and oral contraception have higher rates of effectiveness.

Q: What was the historical significance of circumcision in the United States?

Circumcision in the United States initially remained primarily a Jewish practice. However, in the 19th century, it gained popularity as a way to discourage masturbation. This practice was influenced by the Catholic Church's hostility towards circumcision and its association with supposed moral and physical benefits.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mark Twain gave a lecture titled "Some Thoughts on the Science of Onanism" to The Stomach Club, a group of writers and artists, in 1879.

• Twain used satire to address the topic of masturbation, playing on the irony of calling it a "science" during a time when scientific thoughts were highly regarded.

• Twain referred to various historical figures and their comments on masturbation, both in favor of and against it, highlighting the absurdity surrounding societal views on the topic.