A Parte Obscura De Nos Mesmos Вђ“ Elisabeth Roudi... Apr 2026

The rise of the Marquis de Sade , who represented a radical break from social laws and traditional morality through transgression.

Following Freud, she suggests that perversion is a defining characteristic of our species—a negative image of human freedom.

Roudinesco explores how perversion can simultaneously fascinate and repel us, sitting at the intersection of creative self-transcendence and horrific cruelty.

Modern manifestations including pedophilia and terrorism, and how contemporary society attempts (and often fails) to regulate or eradicate these behaviors. Core Themes