Havelock Ellis

Date of Birth: February 2, 1859

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 8, 1939

Biography

Havelock Ellis, born Henry Havelock Ellis, was a pioneering British psychologist, physician, and social reformer known for his extensive studies in human sexuality. He was born on February 2, 1859, in Croydon, Surrey, England. Throughout his career, Ellis made significant contributions to the study of human sexuality and was a key figure in the early discussions and publications on the subject. Ellis studied at King’s College London and later went to St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School and the University of Paris. He initially pursued a career in teaching and writing, but his true calling emerged in the study of human sexuality. His groundbreaking work, “Studies in the Psychology of Sex,” was published in multiple volumes starting in 1897 and covered a wide range of topics including sexual orientation, masturbation, and transgender identity. Ellis was also an advocate for social reform and was involved in the early feminist movement. He believed in the importance of sexual education and the need for society to have a more open and scientific approach to sexual matters. His work laid the foundation for future research in sexology and had a lasting impact on the fields of psychology, medicine, and social sciences. Ellis continued to write and lecture until his death on July 8, 1939, leaving behind a legacy of academic and social contributions that continue to influence contemporary thought on human sexuality.

5 Interesting Facts about Havelock Ellis

1. Havelock Ellis co-authored the first medical textbook in English on homosexuality.

2. He was one of the early proponents of eugenics, though his views were more focused on improving social conditions.

3. Ellis’s wife, Edith Lees Ellis, was openly lesbian, and their marriage was unconventional and progressive for its time.

4. He introduced the term “autoeroticism” to describe self-stimulation and the concept of “narcissism” in a sexual context.

5. Ellis was a member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization aimed at advancing the principles of democratic socialism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Havelock Ellis

1. “The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw.”

2. “What we call ‘Progress’ is the exchange of one nuisance for another nuisance.”

3. “The place where optimism most flourishes is the lunatic asylum.”

4. “Jealousy, that dragon which slays love under the pretence of keeping it alive.”

5. “Every artist writes his own autobiography.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Havelock Ellis did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but he lived modestly, primarily earning from his writings and lectures.