Marquis De Sade’s Philosophy in the Bedroom argues that cruelty is not to be vice but a normal behavior. De Sade’s ideology is that humans should be completely free from abiding laws, which was a radical belief that distinguished him from other Enlightenment thinkers during the time. He approved the use of instincts rather than “reason”. He states that the laws that are to be followed and that define a civilized society are “false”, creating the impediment to live life to a full extent. We act cruel when we are born into this world. However, as the years progress, we leave these innate feelings and actions once we begin to follow the rules of a civilized society.

Based on my understanding, the author seems to faintly depict God as nature and questions what is considered moral and immoral and how nature approves cruelty to create change. He goes on to question what makes it a crime to kill another human and not a specie of animal. Marquis De Sade states that there is a parallel between humans and animals. We have more similarities with wild animals than differences. We are born into the same world, reproduce and age just like them (Pg. 138). De Sade goes on by stating that with the use of cruelty and destruction, it is the  “… primary material for her reconstruction…” (Pg. 139). In other words, to generate the creation of new life, it must arise from destruction. The author goes further to question society as the people contradict themselves when defining murder unethical. He makes a reference to the French Revolution mentioning that the country would not be free without the act of murder. Cruelty and destruction is justified when society finds it convenient to them, such as the expansion of power (Pg. 140)

The Enlightenment Era favored the expansion of knowledge and independence. There is a comparison with Descartes’ ideals and De Sade. Our morals derive from having prejudice opinions and beliefs. Both thinkers believe that we must become independent from an authoritative figure that prevents society from using components such as our emotions to expand as humans. De Sade’s beliefs contradict those to Kant’s ideals, which is to become independent but still be under rule. Rather than progressing to create a better society, Marquis De Sade’s ideology will cause nothing but harm. Not having an established system will create chaos in society, manifesting survival of the fittest.