Quote by Mark Twain
Of all the various kinds of sexual intercourse, this has the least to recommend it. As an amusement, it is too fleeting; as an occupation, it is too wearing; as a public exhibition, there is no money in it. It is unsuited to the drawing room, and in the most cultured society it has long been banished from the social board. It has at last, in our day of progress and improvement, been degraded to brotherhood with flatulence. Among the best bred, these two arts are now indulged in only private--though by consent of the whole company, when only males are present, it is still permissible, in good society, to remove the embargo on the fundamental sigh.
Summary
This quote criticizes the act of masturbation, implying that it lacks value or respectability compared to other forms of sexual activity. The author argues that it is not enjoyable enough to be considered a form of entertainment, too tiring to be a regular practice, and lacks the financial incentives of other sexual acts. They suggest that it is inappropriate for polite society, even noting that it has been relegated to a lower status alongside bodily functions like flatulence. The only acceptable context seems to be private or among males, with prior agreement from everyone present.
By Mark Twain