The goal of this article is to investigate the concept of progress in Sade's work through the analysis and reading of Freud's work, focusing here on the analysis of the novel Justine. It argues that Sadean fiction is the result of a conflict between each individual and society, and that the happiness of humankind depends on the outcome of this conflict. Happiness would consequently be reached by overcoming the accumulation of obstacles imposed by education and culture, and through the willingness of the society to satisfy every pleasure of the senses.
Progress; Sade; Pleasure; Fiction; Happiness