Date of Birth: June 2, 1740
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: December 2, 1814
Biography
Donatien Alphonse François, better known as the Marquis de Sade, was a French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer famous for his libertine sexuality. His works, which include novels, short stories, plays, dialogues, and political tracts, are known for their combination of philosophical discourse and graphic depictions of sexual fantasies with an emphasis on violence, criminality, and blasphemy against Christianity. Born into an aristocratic family, de Sade quickly developed a reputation for his scandalous behavior. His most infamous works include “Justine,” “The 120 Days of Sodom,” and “Philosophy in the Bedroom,” which explore themes of extreme freedom unrestrained by morality, religion, or law. De Sade spent much of his life in various prisons and asylums, primarily due to his controversial writings and libertine lifestyle. His name gave rise to the term “sadism,” referring to the derivation of pleasure from inflicting pain on others. Despite his notoriety, de Sade’s works have been influential in both literature and philosophy, particularly among the Surrealists and existentialists.
5 Interesting Facts about Marquis de Sade
1. The term “sadism” is derived from his name due to the nature of his works.
2. He was imprisoned in the Bastille when the French Revolution began and was later transferred to an insane asylum.
3. His works were banned for their explicit content, and he spent over 30 years of his life in various forms of incarceration.
4. Despite his controversial life, de Sade was an advocate for freedom of speech and against censorship.
5. His works influenced many notable figures, including the Surrealists and existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marquis de Sade
1. “One must do violence to the object of one’s desire; when it surrenders, the pleasure is greater.”
2. “
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