Philosophy in the Bedroom

"Philosophy in the Bedroom" (
La philosophie dans le boudoir) was written in 1795 by the Marquis de Sade, while imprisoned in the Bastille. It is a work of erotism, laced with socio-political subversion. The main characters are libertines, who decided to give a young maiden their own brand of sex education. They explain to her that pleasure is the most important goal of all, and then proceed with affirming that she will not be able to feel "true pleasure" without pain. Then they get down to the practical lessons. This book is full of graphic descriptions, willfully obscene to the reader; it is also an argument in favour of libertinism, with a demonstration on how it is the only way of thinking reinforcing the recent French Revolution, and that if it fails to penetrate the people of France, they are in real danger of returning to a monarchic state.


Donatien-Alphonse-François, Marquis de Sade was a French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer, famous for his libertine sexuality. His works include novels, short stories, and plays. De Sade is best known for his erotic works, which combined philosophical discourse with pornography, depicting sexual fantasies. He was a proponent of extreme freedom, unrestrained by morality, religion, or law. The words sadism and sadist are derived from his name.



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