Who Invented Masturbation? Exploring the History of Self-Pleasure

Introduction

Masturbation is defined as the self-stimulation of one’s genitals for sexual pleasure. While it is a common practice today, the history of masturbation dates back centuries. This article will explore the origins of masturbation and uncover the truth about who invented it.

A Historical Look at the Origins of Masturbation

There is evidence that suggests that humans have been engaging in masturbation since antiquity. Ancient texts such as the Kama Sutra, which is believed to have originated in India between 400 BCE and 200 CE, discuss the act of self-pleasure. Additionally, ancient Greek and Roman literature contain references to masturbation, suggesting that it was a fairly common practice in those cultures.

In the Middle Ages, masturbation was condemned by the Catholic Church and was seen as an act of impurity. Despite this, there are accounts of masturbation from this period, including written works from renowned authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote about the topic in his Canterbury Tales.

Exploring the Inventor Behind the Discovery of Masturbation

The popular belief is that Dutch physician and anatomist Reinier de Graaf first took credit for discovering masturbation in 1672. He also coined the term “onanism,” which is derived from the Biblical story of Onan in Genesis 38. De Graaf argued that masturbation was harmful and could lead to physical and mental illness.

However, some scholars argue that de Graaf did not actually discover masturbation but rather was the first to provide a scientific explanation for it. They believe that ancient cultures were likely engaging in masturbation long before de Graaf wrote about it.

Uncovering the Truth About Who Invented Masturbation

It is impossible to definitively say who invented masturbation, as it is likely that different cultures discovered it independently. However, it is clear that the practice of self-pleasure has been around for centuries and has evolved over time.

A study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that there has been an overall decline in negative attitudes towards masturbation over the past 100 years. The research suggests that this shift in attitude can be attributed to increased awareness and accessibility of information about sexuality.

Additionally, the study showed that people in countries where masturbation is widely accepted and discussed are more likely to engage in it than those in countries where it is not. This suggests that cultural acceptance plays a role in whether or not people choose to masturbate.

Conclusion

Masturbation is a practice that has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. While it is impossible to definitively say who invented it, it is clear that different cultures discovered it independently. Additionally, research suggests that cultural acceptance and access to information about sexuality play a role in whether or not people choose to engage in self-pleasure.