Donatien Alphonse François, commonly known as Sade, was an 18th-century French nobleman and writer, born on June 2, 1740. He is best known for his controversial works that explore themes of sexuality, morality, and freedom. His writings often challenged societal norms and included explicit content, which led to his imprisonment and exile. Sade is often associated with the term "sadism," derived from his name, due to his exploration of pleasure derived from pain in his literature. Despite the controversies surrounding him, his works have had a lasting impact on literature and philosophy, influencing discussions on human sexuality and ethics.