Poiesis (ποίησις): Meaning, Definition & Modern Application
poy-AY-sis
The act of bringing something into being that did not exist before—creative production that transforms raw material into meaningful form. For Aristotle, poiesis represents making or crafting, distinguished from mere action (praxis) by its focus on producing an external work or artifact.
Etymology
From poiein, meaning “to make” or “to create.” The root gives us “poetry” (originally “making” in the broadest sense) and “poetic.” Aristotle distinguished poiesis (productive activity that creates an external product) from praxis (action whose end is the action itself). Heidegger later expanded the concept, describing poiesis as any bringing-forth from concealment into presence, from the craftsman’s artifact to the flower’s blooming.
Modern Application
You are not merely managing—you are creating something new in the world. Whether building a team, shaping culture, or crafting strategy, recognize yourself as a maker whose work will outlast the moment of creation. Channel your leadership energy into producing tangible artifacts of excellence that others can see, use, and build upon.
How to Practice Poiesis
Identify one thing you want to bring into existence that does not yet exist: a document, a system, a team culture, a product, a habit. Commit to creating it this month. Approach it as a craftsman approaches raw material: with respect for the process and attention to quality. When you finish, evaluate the artifact honestly. Does it embody excellence? Could you sign your name to it with pride? Practice treating your leadership outputs as creative works, applying the same care and intention a sculptor gives to stone. What you create reveals who you are. Heidegger expanded the concept of poiesis to describe any bringing-forth from concealment into presence, from the craftsman’s artifact to the flower’s blooming. Apply this broader sense by recognizing the creative dimension in every aspect of your leadership. When you shape a team’s culture, design a process, or craft a communication, you are engaging in poiesis. Keep a creation log where you record what you brought into being each week and assess whether each creation reflects the quality you aspire to. Over time, this practice builds a portfolio of work that embodies your standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is poiesis in Greek philosophy?
Poiesis is the Greek concept of creative production, the act of bringing something into being that did not exist before. Aristotle distinguished it from praxis (action for its own sake) by its focus on producing an external work or artifact that outlasts the moment of creation. Heidegger later expanded the concept to describe any process of bringing-forth from concealment into presence, applying it far beyond traditional craftsmanship.
What does poiesis mean?
Poiesis means making, creating, or bringing forth. From poiein (to make), it is the root of poetry and poetic. In its broadest philosophical sense, it describes any process that transforms raw material into meaningful form. The Greeks originally understood "poetry" in the broadest sense as "making," reflecting the insight that all creative production shares a common nature.
How do you practice poiesis?
You practice poiesis by identifying what you want to bring into existence and committing to creating it with craft and intention. Approach your leadership outputs as creative works, applying care and quality. What you create is a tangible expression of your character. Choose one project this month that you will treat as your artifact of excellence, giving it the attention and craft that a sculptor gives to stone.
What is the difference between poiesis and techne?
Poiesis is the act of creation itself, bringing something new into being. Techne is the systematic knowledge and skill that guides that creation. Poiesis is the making; techne is the know-how that makes excellent making possible. You need techne to practice poiesis well, because creation without skill produces crude artifacts rather than works of genuine quality.
