Gymnosophy (from Greek γυμνόςgymnós "naked" and σοφίαsophía "wisdom") was a movement practiced in Europe and the US from the end of the 19th century to the mid 20th century. The practice involvednudity,asceticism, andmeditation.
In the early 20th century, the term was appropriated by several groups to denote a broad philosophy that included as a central thought that the nude human body is a natural condition and should be widely acceptable for the betterment of society. This philosophy is related closely, and often interchangeably, withnudism andnaturism, and has close connection to thehippie movement.[1][2]
The movement is known by mainly three organisations: theEnglish Gymnosophical Society,Société Internationale de Gymnosophie, and theAmerican Gymnosophical Association. In 1919, the Yoga teacherBlanche DeVries opened aYoga Gymnosophy Institute in New York that combined Oriental Dance and Yoga. TheEnglish Gymnosophical Society was founded in 1922 and becameThe New Gymnosophy Society in 1926. One of the first members wasGerald Gardner, who in 1945 established the Five Acres Club, ostensibly as anudist club, but as a front forWiccans, as this was illegal in England until 1951. TheSociete Internationale de Gymnosophie was founded in 1926 in France.
Dr.Maurice Parmelee (1882-1969), professor of sociology at theCity College of New York, wrote from 1923 to 1924 a book,The New Gymnosophy;[3] its title was changed toNudism In Modern Life in later editions.[4][5] He took part in the founding of theAmerican Gymnosophical Association circa 1930.
In 1932, Rochester Gymnosophy League was founded in Bushnell's Basin.[6] In 1933 the Dunedin Gymnosophy Club was founded inNew Zealand.[7] The biochemist and historianJoseph Needham was known to practice gymnosophy.[8]
In the last decade, the word gymnosophy has begun to be used as a term for a new, more spiritual and holistic, free body culture.[9]
A poem from the bookNon Serviam (1945) by the Swedish authorGunnar Ekelöf is named "Gymnosofisten" ("The Gymnosophist").
| Nakedness and clothing | |
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| Nudity and sexuality | |
| Issues in social nudity | |
| Naturism | |
| Nude recreation | |
| By location | |
| Social nudity advocates | |
| Depictions of nudity | |
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