Quotes

The Function of the Orgasm

The sexual orgasm need not justify itself of course by being useful, but it is useful to place its role in the context of overall health for the person.

The criterion of health of an orgasm is the nature of the charge and discharge of feeling or energy for the persons involved and the resulting pleasure and satisfaction. Orgasm as an experienced is based on the kinesthetic feedback from the involuntary movements that occur in the body, both in viscera and in the musculature. To the extent that the body cannot give in to involuntary movement, orgasm will be limited as an experience and as an energetic discharge. Most discussion of orgasm is contaminated with the idea that the criterion of health of an orgasm is the superiority as a spectacle for the observing egos involved.

There is little dispute that orgasms vary in intensity and satisfaction. Unfortunately the human ego makes this a competitive issue and so clouds the topic near hopelessly. Wilhelm Reich was plagued by opponents who misunderstood his theory of the orgasm to be one of producing an achievement. Rather he felt it a natural part of all life, not a sign of superiority.