Poiesis, derived from the Greek word ποίησις, means “to make” or “creation.” It is the act of bringing something into being, whether that be art, ideas, relationships or even our very existence. The “poiesis of being human” refers to the creative, generative aspect of human life or how we continuously shape, reshape and reimagine ourselves and the world around us. To be human is to engage in the ongoing process of making meaning, forming connections and crafting identity. This creative act of becoming — of producing something that transcends mere survival — defines what it means to be fully human.
At its core, poiesis involves transformation: the act of turning potential into something real. This notion is embedded in our everyday lives, whether in the stories we tell, the communities we build or the works of art we produce. The creative impulse is not limited to artists or writers; it is a fundamental part of the human experience. From the way we interact with the world to the languages we invent, human beings are creators by nature.
One of the most profound expressions of the poiesis of being human is the creation of the self. Unlike other creatures, human beings have the unique capacity for self-reflection. We are aware of our own existence, and this awareness drives us to constantly question, define and redefine who we are. Our identity is not a fixed entity but a constantly evolving project, shaped by our experiences, choices and relationships.
In this sense, each person is like a work of art; not a finished masterpiece, but a work in progress, ever-changing and adapting. The philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre suggested that existence precedes essence, meaning that we are not born with a predefined purpose or nature; rather, we create our essence through our actions and choices. This gives us a remarkable freedom: the ability to continually reimagine ourselves and our place in the world. The poiesis of being human is, in this way, the act of crafting identity not as a single, static definition, but as ongoing creation.
Another key aspect of the poiesis of being human is the way we create meaning through stories. Humans are inherently storytelling beings. From ancient myths and oral traditions to modern novels, films and social media posts, storytelling is a fundamental mode of human expression. Through stories, we make sense of the world and our place within it. We interpret our experiences, our challenges, our triumphs and our struggles, transforming them into narratives that provide coherence and purpose.
This process of meaning-making is not only personal but collective. We participate in larger cultural stories that shape our identities and understandings of the world. The myths we inherit, the histories we retell and the ideologies we subscribe to are all products of human creativity. They reflect our collective desires, fears and values, and they offer a lens through which we can understand the human condition.
In a sense, every life is a story, and every story is an act of poiesis. We may not be able to control the events that happen to us, but we can control the way we frame those events, giving them meaning and purpose. By telling our stories, we become the authors of our lives.
Humans are social creatures, and the poiesis of being human extends beyond the individual to the creation of relationships and communities. We are not isolated beings; our lives are woven into the fabric of others. Our connections to family, friends, lovers and colleagues shape who we are and how we experience the world.
Building relationships are an act of creation. We construct bonds through shared experiences, communication and empathy. The emotional intimacy we build with others requires vulnerability, trust and the willingness to open ourselves to others. It is through these relationships that we learn about ourselves, our desires and our capacity for love and compassion.
Communities, too, are acts of creation. In a broader sense, the societies we live in are the result of collective human efforts to create systems of meaning, order and support. From politics to religion to cultural practices, our communities are spaces where we negotiate the balance between individual autonomy and collective belonging. They are the frameworks within which we live our lives, and they are the products of human ingenuity and collaboration.
Perhaps one of the most obvious forms of human poiesis is art. Humans are unique in their ability to create beauty, from transforming raw materials into expressions that speak to the soul. Whether through painting, sculpture, music, dance or literature, making art is an act of profound creation. Art allows us to transcend the ordinary and engage with the world in a deeper, more contemplative way. It connects us to something beyond ourselves; be it the beauty of nature, the depths of human emotion or the mysteries of existence.
Art also serves to mirror society, reflecting the values, struggles and aspirations of its time of creation. It offers a space for critique, imagining alternative realities and for exploring the complexities of being human. In a sense, creating art is both a personal and a collective endeavor; an individual’s expression that resonates with others, a conversation across time and space. Art is an expression of our need for transcendence. In our pursuit of beauty, we strive to make something that lasts beyond the ephemeral nature of life. Art allows us to reach toward eternity, capturing moments of meaning and beauty that defy the passage of time.
Finally, part of the poiesis of being human involves the desire to leave a legacy. As we create, we often think of how our actions and creations will affect the world long after we are gone. This desire to leave something behind is deeply rooted in our awareness of mortality. We know that life is fleeting, but in our creativity, we seek to ensure that our impact endures. Legacy is not only about material achievements; it is about the marks we leave on the hearts and minds of others. The values we pass down, the wisdom we impart and the love we give all contribute to the legacy we leave. Whether legacy is felt through our children, our work or the impact we have on our communities, the act of creating a legacy is an essential part of the human experience.
The poiesis of being human is a dynamic, ongoing process. It is the act of constantly creating and re-creating ourselves, our relationships and our world. It is the way we make meaning out of the chaos of existence, the way we forge connections with others and the way we express our deepest truths through art and culture. Being human is not a static state of being; it is an act of becoming. To be human is to engage in a ceaseless act of creation, an endless unfolding of possibilities, an ever-expanding tapestry of thought, emotion and connection. In this sense, the poiesis of being human is not just the art of making, but the art of living.