Exploring the life of Alex Comfort, beyond 'The Joy of Sex', from evangelical child prodigy to anarchist free love advocate. Discussing his secret affair, intentional community in California, anarchist beliefs, financial entanglements, and evolution of sexual discourse.
Alex Comfort's diverse career spanned multiple fields beyond 'The Joy of Sex', showcasing his wide-ranging intellectual interests.
Comfort's upbringing in a non-conformist Christian family influenced his evolution towards anarchism and pacifism, shaping his political views.
Despite advocating for sexual liberation, Comfort's personal contradictions reflected a disconnect between his beliefs and actions, highlighting the complexity of his character.
Deep dives
Alex Comfort: The Polymath
Alex Comfort, known primarily for writing 'The Joy of Sex', actually had a diverse career spanning multiple fields. Comfort published over 30 books prior to 'The Joy of Sex', including works on poetry, science, aging, sociology, and more, showcasing his wide-ranging interests and contributions. He established himself as a polymath early on, with a teenage travelogue on mollusks being his first published book. Despite his fame for 'The Joy of Sex', Comfort's legacy extends far beyond this iconic work.
Religious and Educational Roots
Alex Comfort's upbringing in a non-conformist Christian family and his experiences at Highgate School shaped his early beliefs. His evangelical Christian background gradually evolved into interests in anarchism and pacifism, influencing his later political views. Comfort's mother, a dominant force in his life, fostered his intellectual development and academic achievements from a young age, contributing to his growth as a thinker and writer.
Charm and Energy
Alex Comfort's complex personality reflected contrasting qualities, such as charmlessness in his youth and overwhelming energy in his pursuits. While he established a wide circle of friends, forming deep relationships proved challenging for him. His remarkable intellect and tireless energy, as noted by contemporaries, often left others feeling exhausted in his presence, showcasing the intensity and dynamism of his character.
Duality and Impact of 'The Joy of Sex'
The publication of 'The Joy of Sex' marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards sexual liberation and expression. Comfort's revolutionary approach aimed to destigmatize sex, promote enjoyment, and reduce feelings of guilt and shame. By emphasizing individual responsibility and sexual exploration, the book helped usher in a new era of sexual liberalism while reflecting ongoing societal transformations. The book's iconic illustrations and practical advice challenged traditional norms and encouraged open dialogue about intimacy.
Contradictions and Legacy
Despite advocating for individual responsibility and sexual liberation, Alex Comfort's personal life often contradicted his espoused ideals. His complex relationships and decisions revealed a disconnect between his beliefs and actions. Comfort's legacy lies in his multifaceted contributions to various fields, including gerontology, activism, and literature, showcasing a complex figure whose work continues to influence societal discourse around sexuality and personal freedom.
Gerontologist, pacifist, novelist, medical doctor and mollusc expert – Alex Comfort was far more than just the author of the staggeringly popular Joy of Sex. In her review of a new biography, Florence Sutcliffe-Braithwaite navigates the convictions and contradictions of this bewilderingly polymathic thinker. She joins Tom to trace Comfort’s life from evangelical child prodigy to the anarchist free love advocate who became emblematic of the sexual liberation movement.
