Stoicism is simple, direct and useful. That is why it is a philosophy followed by many of the greatest minds in history. Don't sugarcoat, try to appeal or overcomplicate. It is a strong philosophy that must be lived. Stoics only care about what they can control, the only thing each of us can really control, our thoughts and actions.
That doesn't mean they don't care about others. In fact, the Stoics consider themselves citizens of the universe. They consider all people as brothers and live their lives in accordance with nature. They believe that true strength lies in the whole, and each person should strive to be their best for the greater good.
The philosophical principles of stoicism are the perfect motif for tattoos. From short Stoic tattoos on the maxims that the Stoics were known for to more elaborate tattoos symbolizing the Stoic faith. Stoicism-inspired tattoos are the perfect way to truly embody the Stoic philosophy.
So we have compiled this list of the top 10 stoic tattoo ideas. To inspire your next stoicism tattoo. Whether you want amazing imagery, meaningful fonts, or both, these Stoicism-inspired tattoos will be a no-brainer for any Stoic tattoo enthusiast.
#10: Memento-Mori-Script-Tattoo
This is one of the most common Stoic maxims, and with good reason. We only have so much time and we don't know how long it is. So stop thinking about all the things you want to do and just do them. Because if you don't, you may never get the chance. This stoic lettering tattoo looks as good as its message, the lettering is very clean and clear as its message. A perfect tattoo idea for any stoic who likes to keep it simple.
Tattoo made bySara
No. 9: Tattoo of the 4 Stoic Virtues
The Stoics saw virtue as the only true good in life. The 4 virtues of Stoicism are simple: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice and Courage, these pillars of virtue were all the Stoics had to think about to stay on a virtuous path. This stoic tattoo is also simple and easy to understand, the book represents wisdom, half a glass of wine: temperance, the scales: justice and the lion: bravery. There are many different things that you can do to represent the 4 virtues, so this is a good stoic tattoo idea.
Tattoo made bySara
#8: Memento Mori and Memento Vivere Tattoo
This stoicism tattoo has a message that many overlook, Memento Vivere, "Remember to live." This is something that many of us overlook in our daily lives when we are preoccupied with all the things that don't really matter. The second message of this tattoo is equally important, Memento Moir, "Remember that you will die." Tomorrow is never promised, start living the life you want today. The red and black in this stoic tattoo go together well and give it a “trash polka” feel, a great tattoo idea for any stoic.
(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)
#7: Hourglass Tattoo for Life and Death
The hourglass represents the passage of time. This Stoic-inspired hourglass reminds us of what the passage of time means: the cycle of life and death. But the Stoics believed that this was nothing to fear, it was natural, and natural is not bad. It's just a reminder to use the time you have wisely because the clock is always ticking. This stoic hourglass tattoo consists of bones and a skull, very suitable for a stoic tattoo idea.
(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)
Nº 6: Seneca, the most recent tattoo
Seneca, the original "bad boy" of Stoicism, lived a life of luxury that most other Stoics would take a dim view of. However, this made it perfect for Stoic ideas in our modern times, when even the least wealthy of us live in luxury compared to our distant ancestors. His writing and advice feels like it was written today and is about overcoming common problems we all face. This makes Seneca a great muse for any stoic tattoo. The stoic tattoo below Seneca has an expression that I imagine he had when he complained about his "rich people problems".
(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)
#5: Stoic Coin Tattoo
Coins with Stoic phrases have recently gained popularity. Probably because they look cool, are easy to take with you, and are traded in by a certain stoic. The first two reasons make them a perfect stoic tattoo idea, they look great and there is no easier way to wear something than on the skin. The Stoic tattoo below features a coin with the 2 most popular Stoic maxims: Memento Mori and Amor Fati.
Tattoo made bySara
# 4: tatuaje de Yin Yang
Yin Yang is associated with a different philosophy than Taoism, however Yin Yang has a very stoic meaning. First, the Yin Yang symbolizes balance. Second, it symbolizes being one with nature. Finally, it symbolizes going with the flow and loving destiny. This makes the yin yang, while not stoic in origin, the perfect idea for a stoic tattoo. This particular yin yang tattoo combines all these elements perfectly with the vibrant colors against a dark background and the contrasting elements of fire and water.
Tattoo made bySteve
#3: Heart and Mind Scale Tattoo
The balance between the heart and the mind is the key to all good philosophy and, of course, Stoicism is one of them. So, with a balanced heart and mind, this scale is our number 3 stoic tattoo on our list of best stoic tattoo ideas. This stoic tattoo also expresses temperance, one of the 4 virtues of stoicism. The tattoo style also works great with black and gray hairline.
Tattoo made byAlejandro Capozzi
#2: Amori Fati and Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo
Next on our list of best stoic tattoo ideas is the hourglass tattoo of Amor Fati (Love Fate) and Memento Mori (Remember You Will Die). The placement of these stoic maxims in the hourglass is perfect, as are the images that fill them. Amor Fati at the top with an hourglass filled with trees that represent nature. Love fate as long as you live and be one with nature (the living world). Memento Mori at the bottom with a skull and crossbones in the hourglass, reminding us of the fate we share when we inevitably run out of time. The style of this stoic tattoo is also bold and beautifully black, which justifies the second place.
(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)
#1: Marcus Aurelius Tattoos
Marcus Aurelius, by far the most famous Stoic in history, it's no wonder he inspired so many amazing Stoic tattoos. Knowing that with great power comes great responsibility, the Philosopher King wrote his personal thoughts in The Mediations, which has inspired and helped some of the most influential people in history. He is one of the reasons we now know what Stoicism is, and his sayings and maxims are among the most popular in Western philosophy. These stoic tattoos below are some of our favorite Marcus Aurelius tattoos, they show him with all the different elements of stoicism and they are some really beautiful tattoos.
(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)
Additional Stoic Tattoo Ideas
Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo
One of the most popular stoic maxims makes its way to our additional stoic tattoo ideas, the memento mori hourglass tattoo. The tattoo below is done perfectly with the skull shaped hourglass background. Also, they remind us that we have limited time here and like a true Stoic, you should make the most of the time we have.
Tattoo made byRyan
Tattoo of the four stoic virtues on the arm
This tattoo is a different version of the Tattoo of the 4 Stoic Virtues, Wisdom, Temperance, Justice and Courage. There are many recurring themes in Stoicism and that is because they are important. Simple, easy to understand and call.
Tattoo made bySummer
We hope you enjoyed this list of the top 10 stoic tattoo ideas. And if you haven't, whatever, it's neither good nor bad, just a preferred indifference. If you want to see more philosophy tattoosClick here for our list of the top 10 philosophical tattoo ideas.
Let us know which stoic tattoo ideas you liked the most in the comments below. And if you have a stoicism tattoo that you want to highlight, let us know. As always, if this list has inspired you for a new stoic tattoo, make an appointment to get it done at Mr.
See you soon!