## Definition **Praxis** (πρᾶξις) -- I do X to achieve Y - Action oriented toward a **goal external to the activity itself** - The activity is a **means to an end** **Poiesis** (ποίησις) -- I do X because X is intrinsically meaningful - Creative making that is **valuable in itself** - The activity contains its **own intrinsic purpose** --- ## Pure praxis is impossible, and pure poiesis is meaningless. You cannot be _purely_ instrumental because **instrumental excellence requires non-instrumental engagement**. - **Example**: A propagandist who doesn't care about writing craft will produce bad propaganda. To be effective (praxis), they must care about the craft (poiesis). Creation without external reference becomes: - **Solipsistic** (art for art's sake with no audience) - **Arbitrary** (no criteria for what makes it good) - **Unmotivated** (why create this rather than that?) --- ## Integrated Motivation The **healthiest** state is when praxis and poiesis **mutually reinforce**: - The craft (poiesis) is intrinsically meaningful **and** serves a valued goal (praxis) - The goal (praxis) is genuinely important **and** allows for craft excellence (poiesis) This creates **dual resilience**: - If outcomes fail, the craft sustains you - If craft becomes difficult, the purpose sustains you **But**: You still need to know which is the **load-bearing pillar** of your motivation, because when both are threatened simultaneously, you'll protect one at the expense of the other.