Since we started the ball (or should that be the balls) rolling with the thoughts of 20^th century philosophers and intellectuals upon the subject of sex-masturbation, let us look at the crusading anti-sex efforts of Malcolm Muggeridge.

Cambridge graduate Malcolm Muggeridge traveled to Russia in 1932 to report upon Communism for the Manchester Guardian. While there he began writing a satirical novel about his experiences working for the newspaper, but, fearing libel from various parties, the Manchester Guardian did not print it.

Strapped for cash, Muggeridge then traveled without authorization to the Ukraine to report upon a major famine that was taking place there. This was long before the days of instant TV coverage of everything from the opening of an envelope to a full scale war, so readers had to take Muggeridge’s word that it was happening.

What in the world, you may think, has this got to do with a good wank? Well, disillusioned with communism, Muggeridge’s views became increasingly right wing.

By the later 1960’s, he had converted to Christianity and was one of the most outspoken critics of the so called sexual revolution, frequently broadcasting his ardent disapproval on the subject on TV and radio “Sex” said Muggeridge “is the mysticism of materialism and the only possible religion in a materialistic society.” Matters of sex-masturbation were complete anathema to him. Several TV mimics started to imitate his stuffy, ponderous style.

In 1979 in a famous confrontation, he accused Michael Palin and John Cleese of blasphemy following the release of ‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian.’ Michael Palin was visibly furious. Muggeridge also referred to the Beatles as ‘four dummies with tousled heads and no talent.’

In other words, by the early 60’s, Malcolm effectively had a complete sense of humour failure and the younger generation didn’t give a toss for all the things he held most dear.