12-01-2024, 08:04 AM
I’ve always loved Mary Roach’s ability to tackle “taboo” topics in a way that makes them seem so normal—and even fun—to talk about. Her work on orgasms highlights just how little we know about something so fundamental to human experience. One thing I learned from her talk was how orgasms are studied in labs using brain scans. Can you imagine volunteering for that kind of research? The logistics alone sound hilarious.
Her humor makes the science behind it more digestible. For example, she joked about the challenges scientists face when trying to measure something as subjective as pleasure. It’s like trying to scientifically measure how funny a joke is. But at the same time, you realize how important these studies are—understanding orgasms could help with sexual dysfunction and improve relationships.
What I found fascinating was the part about orgasms in animals. Did you know that pigs apparently have orgasms lasting 30 minutes? It’s one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” moments that makes you wonder what else we’re missing about the natural world. It also underscores that orgasms aren’t just a human experience—they’re deeply biological.
For anyone hesitant to dive into such a topic, Mary Roach makes it easy. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might just come away with a whole new perspective on something you thought you already understood.
Her humor makes the science behind it more digestible. For example, she joked about the challenges scientists face when trying to measure something as subjective as pleasure. It’s like trying to scientifically measure how funny a joke is. But at the same time, you realize how important these studies are—understanding orgasms could help with sexual dysfunction and improve relationships.
What I found fascinating was the part about orgasms in animals. Did you know that pigs apparently have orgasms lasting 30 minutes? It’s one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” moments that makes you wonder what else we’re missing about the natural world. It also underscores that orgasms aren’t just a human experience—they’re deeply biological.
For anyone hesitant to dive into such a topic, Mary Roach makes it easy. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might just come away with a whole new perspective on something you thought you already understood.