The Sensuous Dirty Old Man
Asimov's satirical guide presents the witty 'SDOM' finding sensuous joy through language and respectful flirtation in public, celebrating aging and human connection with humor.
Isaac Asimov, a name typically associated with the vastness of space, the intricacies of robotics, or the grand sweep of history, took an unexpected turn in 1971. Published under the playful guise of "Dr. A," his book, The Sensuous Dirty Old Man, marked a clear departure from his usual rigorous science fiction and nonfiction works. This slender volume is framed not as a cosmic epic or a scientific treatise, but as a humorous, satirical guidebook. It is a work that blends lighthearted parody with Asimov’s characteristic wit and intelligence. Unlike his Foundation series or his explorations of the human body, this book leans into social commentary and a self-aware flirtation with the unconventional, always presented with a knowing wink.
At its heart, the book introduces a persona, a central figure who serves as both the author and the subject: the “Sensuous Dirty Old Man,” affectionately known as the SDOM. Through this character, Asimov explores the experience of aging in a society that often fixates on youth, particularly when it comes to sexuality and pleasure. The SDOM is presented as an unapologetic figure, world-weary but still full of life and desire. He embodies a sense of liberation that comes with age, allowing for observation, commentary, and the pure enjoyment of life's aesthetic pleasures. The SDOM is libidinous and witty, finding joy not in grand conquests, but in the small, subtle victories of flirtation, suggestion, and shared laughter. He is someone who has seen much of the world and now, freed from certain youthful pressures, appreciates the simple, sensuous moments.
The book begins by defining this persona, making it clear that being a Sensuous Dirty Old Man is more a state of mind than simply a matter of age. The SDOM isn't just an older gentleman who appreciates women; he is someone who has embraced the art of flirtation as a continuous, lifelong pursuit. He isn't bound by strict rules or dogma, but by a refined appreciation of beauty, especially the beauty of women. This appreciation is offered with unabashed admiration, yet carefully calibrated to cause minimal offense. The SDOM views himself as perhaps the last true romantic, someone upholding an older craft of subtle interaction that feels lost in the bluntness of modern times. For him, the very act of observing, commenting, and mentally celebrating femininity is the peak of sensuous experience. He rarely expects anything more, and that's perfectly acceptable. The core idea, Asimov suggests, is the celebration of joy and attraction itself, not the pursuit of conquest or physical intimacy.
The SDOM's primary instruments are not physical, but intellectual and linguistic. He is armed with wit, charm, and a seasoned command of language. His real tools are puns, wordplay, and harmless innuendo. Asimov portrays him as a maestro, using these tools not to overwhelm, but to create a delightful orchestration of interaction. A notable section of the book is dedicated to the "linguistics of lechery," showcasing Asimov's own profound gift for language, even when applying it to mischievous topics. This part is described as rich in verbal gymnastics, where the SDOM masterfully deploys double entendres, cheeky metaphors, and euphemisms so cleverly constructed that they elicit smiles even from their targets. He is presented as an aging, witty figure who relies purely on verbal dexterity.
Interestingly, the SDOM doesn't limit himself to private spaces. In fact, the book suggests he thrives in public venues. Locations like bookstores, cafes, elevators, and public lectures are depicted as stages for the SDOM's theatrical charm. His performances are always measured and carefully executed to avoid being perceived as creepy. Asimov provides sly observations about the potential for delightful human collisions in these everyday places. A shared smile on a park bench, a brief exchange of glances in a department store, or a witty remark in a lecture hall can become small, delightful moments. The key for the SDOM is that physical touch is unnecessary; words alone are sufficient. His ultimate skill lies in his ability to leave a woman both smiling and unoffended.
Crucially, despite the playful rogue persona, Asimov’s SDOM operates under a strict Code of Conduct. This code serves as a moral compass for the "dirty old man". The primary rule is never to leer, grope, or make women feel uncomfortable. The SDOM is emphatically not a predator; he is characterized as an observer, a kind of poet whose subject is admiration. There is an underlying understanding presented that respect and levity are not mutually exclusive but must coexist. This code highlights a central tension within the book: how to indulge in the pleasures of flirtation and appreciate sensuality while maintaining principles and decency. Asimov’s resolution to this tension is found in the careful application of wit, perfect timing, and a graceful acceptance of rejection. A rebuff is not seen as a failure by the SDOM, but simply an inevitable part of the process, met without bitterness.
The book also tackles the societal perception of aging. Where society often views getting older as a process of decline and loss, Asimov's SDOM reclaims it, presenting age as a distinct advantage. Aging grants a certain freedom – a release from the heavy burdens of expectation, from the potential shame of youthful missteps, and from the relentless drive for external achievement. This freedom allows for a deeper capacity for observation, commentary, and the pure enjoyment of life's inherent aesthetic pleasures. Asimov revels in the idea that aging brings not impotence, but a kind of immunity from caring too much about superficial consequences. This perspective empowers the SDOM to pursue joy with clarity and authenticity. Every laugh, every glance, every smile exchanged is portrayed as a small victory against the relentless passage of time itself.
Beyond the personal journey of the SDOM, the book functions as a work of social satire. While maintaining a light tone, it gently mocks the inconsistencies within cultural norms. Asimov points out the hypocrisy of a society that might condemn an aging man's flirtation while simultaneously celebrating youthful promiscuity or exploiting desire in media and advertising. With his characteristic intellect, Asimov is doing more than just telling jokes; he is subtly prompting the reader to reflect on these societal contradictions. The satire also targets the self-help industry, particularly the proliferation of "sensuous" guides popular in the 1960s and 70s. Asimov’s parody critiques the notion that sensuality is something that can be easily codified, packaged, and sold. For the SDOM, sensuality is not a manual to be followed; it is an inherent mindset, a way of experiencing the world.
Although presented under a pseudonym, The Sensuous Dirty Old Man contains clear autobiographical echoes. The book is deeply personal, infused with Asimov's unmistakable voice, his unique brand of humor, and his recurring preoccupations. Asimov was in his early 50s when the book was published, and while the SDOM persona is undoubtedly an exaggeration for comedic effect, it reflects Asimov's own engagement with the concept of aging. He approaches the potentially uncomfortable subject of aging desire with self-mocking affection, transforming it into a charming, human, and very funny narrative. This book fits into a phase of Asimov's career where he increasingly explored personal essays and leveraged his public persona for humorous works, diverging slightly from his more formal scientific and historical non-fiction or his grand science fiction sagas.
The Sensuous Dirty Old Man has, over time, developed a cult status. However, it is often misunderstood. It is not intended as a literal guide to seduction or a manifesto for inappropriate behavior. It is, at its core, a literary performance. It is a pastiche, a character study, and a sophisticated social joke all woven together. The book demonstrates that humor can be deeply sophisticated, that desire can coexist harmoniously with dignity, and that aging does not automatically lead to invisibility. Its cult status is rooted not in explicit content, of which there is almost none, but in its sheer playfulness, intellectual cleverness, and underlying honesty. The book serves as a reminder that the fundamental human desires for connection, for playfulness, and for simple levity are enduring and do not diminish with age.
Ultimately, The Sensuous Dirty Old Man transcends its seemingly provocative title. It isn't truly about being "dirty" or solely about being "old". It is, fundamentally, about the experience of being human. It encourages embracing the joy found in language, in humor, in attraction, and in the process of aging itself. Asimov, a master acclaimed for exploring the vastness of the cosmos and constructing intricate logical arguments, successfully navigates the earthy and humorous with the same level of mastery. The SDOM character may not conform to modern sensibilities of political correctness, but he earns something arguably more valuable: the reader’s amused respect. Beneath the layers of silliness and wit lies a genuine truth. The book suggests that life, even as it progresses into later stages, retains the potential to be deliciously sensuous, remarkably rich in experience, and undeniably worth living.