Note for readers — No obscene content. Just good old Silent Monk Philosophy!

A. Folklore explaining the first usage of condom

There is a very strange folklore associated with the first ever usage of condom. It is said that there was a Greek king, King Minos who would ejaculate “serpents and scorpions” through his semen. Hence, whenever he would have intercourse with any of his lovers, she would not survive. For the king, the point of worry was that he was not able to have a heir to the throne for the same reason. Hence, upon the advice of his then ministers and doctors, a goat’s bladder was inserted into his wife Pasiphae’s vagina to protect her from catching any disease. The story says that using this methodology, Pasiphae eventually gave birth to eight children.

The story may or may not be true, but it reflects that the usage of condoms is not a modern day concept.

B. Evolution of condom to its present day form

The way human beings engage in sex has not changed since the dawn of life on Earth, and mankind has always been looking to find ways for safe sex and birth control.

The first use of condom can be dated to as early as 1000 B.C. There are paintings on the walls of Egyptian caves that show Egyptian men wearing condoms (or similar objects).

The first condoms were made using linen sheaths, but soon animal intestine began to be used for making condoms because of their high tensile strength as compared to linen.

The major breakthrough came with the invention of vulcanized rubber by Charles Goodyear (The Tire company fame) who started mass production around the year 1855, and revolutionized this invention.

The invention of latex in 1919 gave condoms its present day form, and the world continue to innovate as of today — with condoms coming in all shapes and sizes, and variety of flavors ranging from strawberry to vanilla to chocolate.

Bill Gates announced a million dollar challenge in 2013 to innovate the next generation of condoms, and there are major multinational companies minting money out of this product.

Within USA alone, there are 500,000,000 condoms sold every year, with the global market cap for this product being more than 10 billion US dollar. From the linen sheath condoms during early days to a household product in present times, surely condoms have come a long way.

On a side note, as a story goes, the word “Condom” came from the name of a British doctor — Colonel Quondam, who was a doctor to King Charles II of England.

C. What do condoms teach us about innovation and life in general?

Let us for once keep the taboo out of this.

I was once asked, “What do you think is the greatest invention of modern times?” I thought for some time and replied “Condom!!!”.

Surely, I was mocked for my answer but as I explained, everyone tend to agree with me. The world has always tried to condemn condoms on the ground of morality — which may or may not be true — but this product became prominent because of their effectiveness to prevent sexually transmitted disease during 1970s and continue to be an important factor in population control and STD prevention.

Keeping the taboo aside, the invention of condom teaches us important lessons about mankind and humanity, and we must learn from the same:

I. Necessity is the mother of all invention.

Time and again, mankind has always delivered. Be it the light bulb to eliminate darkness, or the flight planes to travel distances so far, or the very recent vaccination to eradicate the deadly coronavirus — the human race always finds a solution. The invention of condom for safe sex and birth control is a prime example of the same.

Similarly, if we are in dire need of something, we are sure to get it. We just need to put our mind and efforts into it.

II. You will get better along the way.

From the linen sheaths to animal skin to present day ultra thin vegan condoms, the invention of condom has surely come a long way.

Similarly, we all get better along the way.

For all the writers trying to publish on Medium and scared to start, just write something and hit the publish button. You may not like what you have written today — but will eventually reach that peak you aspire.

III. The most complex problems often have the simplest solutions.

Among the biggest problem facing the world today is overpopulation. The countries where larger percentage of communities are uneducated and “condoms” still a taboo — such regions tend to have higher birth rates per couple. Condoms have presented itself as a very safe, reliable and affordable solution to this problem.

Similarly, in life, the toughest of problems often have the simplest of solutions.

We might be facing the toughest of adversities in our work life or personal relationship. But the solution could be very simple — may be just a little change in our perspective or a quiet talk with your partner.

Is there a similar simple yet effective solution to climate change or malnutrition — my mind continues to ponder?

The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of this invention, and wonder how mankind came up with such a solution. Technical merits aside, sometimes the smallest of things will teach you the biggest of life lessons, and we must always be looking out for them.

P.S. Next time, if you happen to use it, just think of all the good things in life it signifies, and be grateful to it.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this article. Please share your reflections after reading the article.👏are optional, but they sure make us happy.
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