Philosophy in the Boudoir Book

The Marquis de Sade, father of sadism, begins this book by addressing "libertines, voluptuaries of all ages, lewd women, young maidens, and amiable debauchees". Surely all these fine people would have something to enjoy and learn from this story.

It literally is philosophy in the bedroom. In between sexual interludes in which three libertines teach their ways to an innocent young woman during a remarkably active and productive orgy, de Sade espouses in long rants his views on religion, sex, politics and morality. In fact, as entertaining as it is, after a while it becomes quite clear that the sex is the titillating (see what I just did there?) vehicle he uses to showcase his views.

It is exceedingly naughty and shocking of me to have picked up this book. ;) It is provoking, it's rather disgusting, it's carnal, and it's over-the-top to the point of humourous. The way of Libertine life is to deprive oneself of absolutely nothing, to take whatever Nature puts in your head to desire, regardless of the cost to the world around - a pretty perverse and frightening way to live. Cruelty, de Sade believes, is 'natural', and who are we to tamper with nature? Many of his ideas are repellant (particularly his approval of incest). However, I did find de Sade's views on women surprising. A case could be made that his beliefs are empowering to women. He firmly believes in their sexual fulfilment (of course, in a libertine way) and their power over their bodies (he is most definitely 'pro-choice').

Recommended to those interested in a) debauchery b) philosophy c) this very unique historical figure who's left his soiled handprint on many, whether they admit it or not.