Since ancient times, "dynamis" and "energeia" have formed perhaps the most vivid pair of concepts in the history of philosophy: in their tension-filled interplay, materialism and metaphysics, potential and realization come together. But can they also be understood as historical-political categories? As such, the turning points and differences in their conceptual history reveal a shift in historical thinking and new possibilities for political action. From Aristotle to Martin Heidegger to Jacques Derrida, Nassima Sahraoui demonstrates in her compelling reading that a new understanding of ancient "dynamis" is more relevant and necessary than ever, as it holds a critical potential that enables moments of freedom for us and our thinking, even and especially today.