Sheesh, can't anyone other than old
fuddy-duddy Webster 1913 node up anything negative about "onanism"?
I read in a Catholic catechism somewhere that masturbation is a sin because it is a "misuse of the sexual power". I wish I had sexual powers.
Masturbation has been attributed with causing insanity, hairy palms, and the wrath of God. Most of these claims have been disproven. Actually, in Sex for Dummies (belongs to a friend, honest) Dr. Ruth pretty much debunks everything nasty anyone ever said about it and invites you to do it all you like so long as you don't totally ruin your social life.