Stoicism is simple, forceful and useful. that is why it is a philosophy followed by many of the greatest minds in history. it doesn’t sugarcoat, try to appeal, or overcomplicate. it is a strong philosophy that is designed to be lived. Stoics only care about what they can control, the only thing any of us can really control, our thoughts and actions.
That doesn’t mean they didn’t care about each other. in fact, Stoics consider themselves citizens of the universe. they consider all men brothers, and live their lives according to 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 subject for tattoos. from short Stoic script tattoos to the point of the maxims Stoics were known for, to more elaborate tattoos symbolizing Stoic beliefs. Stoicism-inspired tattoos are the perfect way to truly embody Stoic philosophy.
That’s why we put together this list of the top 10 stoic tattoo ideas. to help inspire your next stoicism tattoo. Whether you want stunning imagery, meaningful script, or both, these Stoicism-inspired tattoos will be undeniable favorites for any Stoic tattoo enthusiast.
#10: memento mori script tattoo
This is one of the most common Stoic maxims, and for good reason. we have so much time, and we don’t know how long that is. so stop thinking about all the things you want to do and do them. because if you don’t, you may never get the chance. This stoic writing tattoo looks as good as its message, the letters are very clean and sharp, just like its message. a perfect tattoo idea for any stoic who likes to keep it simple.
tattoo done by sarah
#9: tattoo of the 4 stoic virtues
The Stoics considered virtue to be 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 needed to remember to stay on a virtuous path. again, this stoic tattoo is simple and easy to understand, the book represents wisdom, the half glass of wine: temperance, the scales: justice, and the lion: courage. there are many different things you can do that represent the 4 virtues, that’s why it’s a good stoicism tattoo idea.
tattoo done by sarah
#8: memento mori and memento vivere tattoo
This stoicism tattoo has a message that many forget the importance of, memento vivere, “remember to live”. this is something that many of us forget in our daily lives, as we get caught up and “busy” 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 well together and give it a “trash polka” feel, a great tattoo idea for any stoic.
(artist credit unknown, let us know so we can link to it)
#7: Life or Death Hourglass Tattoo
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 what is natural, was not bad. it’s simply a reminder to use the time you have wisely, because the clock is always ticking. This stoic hourglass tattoo is made up of bones and a skull, very appropriate for a stoicism tattoo idea.
(artist credit unknown, let us know so we can link to it)
#6: seneca the youngest tattoo
Seneca, the original “bad boy” of Stoicism, lived a life of luxury that most other Stoics would frown upon. however, this made it perfect for the stoic ideas of our modern times, when even the least well off of us live in luxury compared to our distant ancestors. his writings and advice seem to have been written today, dealing with how to overcome common problems we all face. This makes Seneca a great muse for any Stoic tattoo. the stoic tattoo below seneca has an expression i imagine he had when he was complaining about his “rich people problems”.
#5: Stoic Coin Tattoo
Lately, coins with stoic phrases have gained popularity. this is probably because they look great, are easy to carry around, and are marketed like crap by a certain stoic. The first two reasons make them a perfect stoicism tattoo idea, they look great and there is no easier way to carry something with you than on your skin. The stoic tattoo below features a coin with the 2 most popular stoic maxims: memento mori and amor fati.
#4: yin yang tattoo
yin yang is associated with a different philosophy, Taoism, however yin yang has a very stoic meaning. First, 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 stoic tattoo idea. this particular yin yang tattoo combines all of those elements perfectly with the vivid colors on a dark background and the contrasting elements of fire and water.
tattoo done by steve
#3: heart and mind scales tattoo
Balance of heart and mind is the key to any good philosophy, and of course this includes Stoicism. That is why this scale with balanced heart and mind is our #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 fine line.
tattoo done by alessandro capozzi
#2: hourglass tattoo by amor fati and memento mori
Next on our list of the best stoic tattoo ideas is this hourglass tattoo of amor fati (loving fate) and memento mori (remember that you will die). the placement of these stoic maxims in the hourglass is perfect, as are the images that fill the hourglass. amor fati at the top with an hourglass filled with trees that represent nature. love destiny while you live, being one with nature (the living world). memento mori at the bottom with a skull in the hourglass, reminding us of the fate we also share when our time inevitably runs out. the style of this stoic tattoo is also bold and beautiful black work making it the number 2 spot.
(artist credit unknown, let us know so we can link to it)
#1: Marcus Aurelius tattoos
marcus aurelius, by far the best known stoic in history, it’s no wonder he has inspired so many amazing stoicism tattoos. The philosopher king who knew that with great power comes great responsibility wrote his personal thoughts in what is now called The Mediations, a book that has inspired and helped some of the most influential people in history. he is one of the reasons we know what Stoicism is today, and his sayings and maxims are some of the most popular in Western philosophy. these stoic tattoos below are some of our favorite marcus aurelius tattoos, they feature him with all the different elements of stoicism, and they are some truly beautiful tattoos.
(artist credit unknown, let us know so we can link to it)
additional stoic tattoo ideas
mori memory hourglass tattoo
one of the most popular stoic maxims makes it to our additional stoic tattoo ideas, the memento mori hourglass tattoo. The tattoo below is perfectly done with the lower part of the hourglass in the shape of a skull. further reminding us that we have limited time here, and as a true stoic you must make the most of the time we have.
tattoo done by ryan
tattoo of four stoic virtues on the arm
This tattoo is another 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 done by summer
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the top 10 stoic tattoo ideas. and if you didn’t, whatever, it’s not good or bad anyway, just an indifferent preferred. If you want to see more philosophy tattoos, click here to see our list of the top 10 philosophy tattoo ideas.
Let us know which stoic tattoo ideas you liked best in the comments below. And, if you have a stoicism tattoo you want featured, let us know. As always, if this list inspired you to get a new Stoic tattoo, schedule an appointment to get it done at Mr. inkwell tattoos.
See you soon!
