Hugh Hefner has lived a life that most men, yours truly included, can only dream about. Surrounded by beautiful, nubile young women living in his luxurious mansion, Hef continues to beguile men and women alike. And while his life has been distinctly Dionysian, he has always managed to maintain his decorum and gentlemanly demeanor. Contrasted with Larry Flynt, Hef is the quintessential playboy: suave, considerate, libidinous, cosmopolitan, and wealthy.

Hef has made it into my pantheon for the simple reason that he has maintained his principles from the beginning, and his principles are good and noble. The January 2000 edition of Playboy has a fascinating interview with Hef, and although he is probably not the greatest philosopher on the planet, his views on sexuality, liberty, and beauty are to be appreciated. The world certainly has more than its share of moral guardians, ever at the ready to tell us why our current value systems are in decline and that society will soon perish. Hef has maintained his sexually liberated stance throughout his life, transforming himself into living proof that sex can be celebrated and that nothing tragic will necesarily result.

In the face of criticism from cultures ranging from Gloria Steinem feminists to Pat Robertson Christians, Hef has maintained both his magazine and his image. And while the "true" Hugh Hefner is probably not the pajama-clad icon with the beatific smile, the meme of Hef, Playboy magnate, is one that captures the imagination and our erotic fantasies. In contrast to the sexually oppressive forces of the news media and religion, Hef reminds us that sexuality, eroticism, and beauty are out there and there are those who are celebrating them instead of denigrating them.

Viva Hef! May you have long life, and your spirit be remembered after even Viagra can no longer help you! You have been a blessing upon America. God would not have allowed you to persist and succeed unless he had wanted you to. Many people, mostly men but not a few women, understand what you have attempted to accomplish, and how far you have gotten. Some decades have seen your vision less acceptable than others. But with any luck and a little providence time will keep your ideas alive, liberating each new generation to celebrate their freedom to be sexual beings.

Salud!