José Cadalso was an 18th-century Spanish writer and poet, born in 1741 in Madrid. He is best known for his contributions to the Spanish Enlightenment, a period marked by a focus on reason, science, and individualism. Cadalso's works often explored themes of love, death, and the human condition, reflecting the cultural shifts of his time. In addition to his literary achievements, Cadalso was also a soldier and a diplomat. His most famous work, "Los eruditos a la violeta," critiques the superficiality of contemporary society. Cadalso died in 1789, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish literature and thought.