10 Best Stoic Tattoos: Best Stoicism Tattoo Ideas (2024)


Stoicism is simple, blunt, and useful. That is why it is a philosophy followed by so many of the greatest minds in history. It does not sugarcoat, try to appeal, or overly complicate. It is a strong philosophy that is designed to be lived. Stoics only concern themselves with what they can control, the only thing that any of us can truly control, our thoughts and actions.

That doesn’t mean they didn’t care about others. In fact, Stoics consider themselves citizens of the universe. They consider all mankind brothers, and live their lives according to nature. They believe the real strength resides in the whole, and each person should strive to be their best for the purpose of the greater good.

The philosophical principles of Stoicism are the perfect subject for tattoos. From short to the point Stoic script tattoos of the maxims the Stoics were known for, to more elaborate tattoos that symbolize the Stoic beliefs. Stoicism inspired tattoos are the perfect way to truly embody the Stoic philosophy.

That is why we put this list of the Top 10 Stoic Tattoo Ideas together. To help inspire your next Stoicism tattoo. Whether you want amazing imagery, meaningful script, or both, these Stoicism inspired tattoos will be a preferred indifferent for any Stoic tattoo enthusiast.

#10: Memento Mori Script Tattoo

This is one of the most common Stoic maxims, and for good reason. We only have so much time, and we do not know how much time that is. So, quit thinking about all the things you want to do, and do them. Because if you don't, you may never have the chance. This Stoic script tattoo looks as great as it's message, the letters are very clean and sharp, just like it's message. A perfect tattoo idea for any Stoic who like to keep it simple.

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Tattoo done bySarah

#9: 4 Stoic Virtues Tattoo

The Stoics held 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 that Stoics needed to rememberto keep them 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 is why it is such a good Stoicism tattoo idea.

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Tattoo done bySarah

#8:Memento Mori and Memento Vivere Tattoo

This Stoicism tattoo has a message that many forget the importance of, Memento Vivere, "Rememberto live". This is something that many of us forget in our daily life, as we get caught up and "busy" with all the things that don't really matter. The second message on this tattoo is equally important, Memento Moir, "Remember you will die" . Tomorrow is never promised, start living the life you want today. The red and black on this Stoic tattoo go well together and give it a bit of a "trash polka" feel, a great tattoo idea for any Stoic.

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(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#7: Life and Death Hourglass Tattoo

The hourglass represents the passing of time. This Stoic inspired hourglass reminds us what time passing means: The cycle of life and death. But, the Stoics believed this was nothing to fear, it was natural , and that which is natural, was not bad. It is simply a reminder to spend the time you have wisely, because the clock is always ticking. This Stoic hourglass tattoo is made of bones and a skull, very fitting for a Stoicism tattoo idea.

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(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#6: Seneca The Younger Tattoo

Seneca, the original "Bad Boy" of Stoicism, he lived a life of luxury thatmost other Stoics would frown upon. However, this made him perfect for Stoic insights for our modern times, when even the least well off of us live in luxury compared to our distant ancestors. His writings and advise seem like they could have been written today, and they are all about how to overcome common problems we all face. This makes Seneca a great muse for any Stoic tattoos. The Stoic tattoo below of Seneca has an expression I imagine he had when he was complaining about his "rich people problems".

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(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#5: Stoic Coin Tattoo

Coins with Stoic phrases have been gaining popularity lately. This is probably because, they look cool, they are easy to carry with you, and a certain Stoic markets the sh*t out of them. The first two reasons make them a perfect Stoicism tattoo idea, they look cool, 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.

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#4: Yin Yang Tattoo

The Yin Yang is associated with a different philosophy Taoism, however the Yin Yang has some very Stoic meaning to it. First, the Yin Yang symbolizes balance. Second, it symbolizes being one with nature. Finally, it symbolizes going with the flow and loving fate. This makes the Yin Yang, although not Stoic in origin , the perfect Stoicism tattoo idea. This Yin Yang tattoo in particular combines all of those elements perfectly with the vivid colors with dark background, and the contrasting fire and water elements.

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Tattoo done bySteve

#3:Heart and Mind Scales Tattoo

The balance of heart and mind is the key to any good philosophy, and of course this includes Stoicism. That is why this scale with the balanced heart and mind is our #3 Stoic tattoo on our Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas list. This Stoic tattoo also expresses temperance, one of Stoicisms 4 virtues. The tattoo style also works great with the fine line black and grey.

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Tattoo done by Alessandro Capozzi

#2: Amori Fati and Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo

Next on our list of Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas is this Amor Fati (Love Fate) and Memento Mori (Remember You will Die) Hourglass tattoo. The placement of these Stoic maxims on the hourglass is perfect, as well as the images that fill the hourglass. Amor Fati at the top with an hourglass filled with trees representing nature. Love fate while you are living, 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 blackwork, making a case for the #2 spot.

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(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#1: Marcus Aurelius Tattoos

Marcus Aurelius, by far the most well know Stoic in history, it is no wonder he has inspired so many amazing Stoicism tattoos. The philosopher king that knew with great power comes great responsibility, wrote his personal thoughts down in what is now called The Mediations, a book that has inspired and helped some of the history's most influential people. He is one of the reasons that we even 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.

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(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

Bonus Stoic Tattoo Ideas

Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo

One of the most popular Stoic maxims make it to our bonus Stoic tattoo ideas, the Memento Mori hourglass tattoo. The tattoo below is done perfectly with the bottom of the hourglass shaped like a skull. reminding us further that we have a limited time here, and as a true Stoic you must make the most of the time we have.

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Tattoo done by Ryan

Four Stoic Virtues Tattoo on Arm

This tattoo is another take on the 4 Stoic Virtues tattoo, wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage. There are a lot of recurring themes in Stoicism, and that is because they are important. Simple, easy to understand, and to call on.

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Tattoo done bySummer

We hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas. And if you didn't, whatever, it's not good or bad anyway, just a preferred indifferent. If you want to check out some more philosophy tattoos click here fro our 10 Best Philosophy Tattoo Ideas list.

Let us know what 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, set an appointment to get it done at Mr. Inkwells tattoos.

See You Soon!

10 Best Stoic Tattoos: Best Stoicism Tattoo Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 virtues of stoicism? ›

The Stoics elaborated a detailed taxonomy of virtue, dividing virtue into four main types: wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation. Wisdom is subdivided into good sense, good calculation, quick-wittedness, discretion, and resourcefulness. Justice is subdivided into piety, honesty, equity, and fair dealing.

Is there a symbol for stoicism? ›

Stoicism symbol

It has been found that the stoics used gestures to symbolize their ideology. But there is no clear evidence of any symbol in Stoicism. This was because stoicism was practiced as a thought or philosophy. It was not a religion and hence they had no traditional symbols.

What are the best stoic quotes? ›

Stoic quotes for 21st Century life
  • Marcus Aurelius. “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ...
  • Epictetus. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” ...
  • Seneca. “It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture.
8 Mar 2021

What does Marcus Aurelius tattoo mean? ›

I got this tattoo of Marcus Aurelius, Nero, and Seneca because it's a reminder that no matter how smart you may be, no matter how good of a support system you may have, ego can always win. Marcus sits at the top because he's the North Star, the reminder of how to behave and what to return to when things go awry.

What are the 3 pillars of Stoicism? ›

The Three Disciplines of Stoicism: Life Lessons from a Roman...
  • The first discipline is the discipline of perception. ...
  • The second discipline, action, deals with our relationships with others. ...
  • The third discipline, the discipline of will, encompasses our attitude to things that are not within our control.

Who is the most famous Stoic? ›

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, born nearly two millennia ago is perhaps the best known Stoic leader in history.

What color symbolizes Stoicism? ›

The Royal Purple of Stoicism.

What's another word for Stoic? ›

Some common synonyms of stoic are apathetic, impassive, phlegmatic, and stolid.

Does Stoicism believe in God? ›

Stoicism's interpretation of the creator. Stoics believe that there is a god, but Stoic philosophy allows for the existence of any gods. These philosophies often do not require deities or belief in a deity, and they might even promote atheism.

What does stoicism say about life? ›

Stoicism holds that the key to a good, happy life is the cultivation of an excellent mental state, which the Stoics identified with virtue and being rational. The ideal life is one that is in harmony with Nature, of which we are all part, and an attitude of calm indifference towards external events.

What are stoic virtues? ›

The Stoics often refer to the four cardinal virtues of Greek philosophy: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. (Or if you prefer: wisdom, morality, courage, and moderation.)

How do Stoics deal with heartbreak? ›

The Stoic way to deal with a breakup is accepting the situation, changing the perspective on it, remembering the good times together, and moving on with life, without any grudge or regret. Grief is a natural human emotion, and the Stoics do not advise you to avoid or suppress it.

What is the symbol for Amor Fati? ›

Amor Fati is a Latin phrase that could be translated as either “love of fate” or “love of one's fate”. A central tenet of the ancient and practial philosophy of Stoicism, it is often represented by the symbol of fire.

Who is the father of Stoicism? ›

Stoicism takes its name from the place where its founder, Zeno of Citium (Cyprus), customarily lectured—the Stoa Poikile (Painted Colonnade). Zeno, who flourished in the early 3rd century bce, showed in his own doctrines the influence of earlier Greek attitudes, particularly those mentioned above.

What does Memento Mori tattoo mean? ›

What Does Memento Mori Mean? Memento mori is a saying in Latin. It is used to describe your life phrase and path on a daily, while also pointing us in the right direction. We are all going to die (memento mori – an object kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death, such as a skull.)

What is quiet Stoicism? ›

Part of what Stoicism teaches is that you should control what is under your control. How people see you is not—but whether or not you open your mouth is. Consider staying quiet. Or as Epictetus put it: “Be silent for the most part, or, if you speak, say only what is necessary and in a few words.

What are the key elements of Stoicism? ›

Stoic Principles
  • Nature: Nature is rational.
  • Law of Reason: The universe is governed by the law of reason. ...
  • Virtue: A life led according to rational nature is virtuous.
  • Wisdom: Wisdom is the the root virtue. ...
  • Apathea: Since passion is irrational, life should be waged as a battle against it.
25 Oct 2019

What is the basic philosophy of Stoicism? ›

Stoicism is a school of philosophy that hails from ancient Greece and Rome in the early parts of the 3rd century, BC. It is a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character.

Are there female Stoics? ›

Below are introductions to three ancient Stoic women—Porcia Catonis, Annia Cornificia Faustina Minor, and Fannia—whose legacy lives on only thanks to stories recorded by those inspired to do so.

Is Jeff Bezos Stoic? ›

What do Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffet have in common with former Defense Secretary James Mattis and politician Cory Booker? Turns out they're all part of the modern Stoic movement, which is having a renaissance.

How does a Stoic person behave? ›

Stoical people show fortitude, but they neither perceive nor express much emotion. Their feelings are difficult to read. They are generally “strong, silent types”. Difficulties: People find it hard to know them or get close to them.

What's the opposite of being Stoic? ›

Stoicism and hedonism are polar opposites in views of the pursuit of pleasure and pain. Stoics would argue that pleasure is not an ultimate good. Pleasure, such as material wealth or sexual activity does not lead to lasting happiness, only temporary gratification.

Does Stoicism believe in an afterlife? ›

'On Death Acceptance' Like many philosophical systems in the ancient word, the Stoic tradition makes no lofty bid for an afterlife nor does it instruct us to despise death. Death is outside of one's control, and accordingly, it must be dealt with by indifference.

What is the Stoic theory of emotions? ›

Stoicism recognizes three "good feelings," called hai eupatheiai in the Greek. The three good emotions are Joy, Wish, and Caution. The list was developed to contrast with three Passions, the "bad feelings" of Stoic philosophy.

Can a stoic be happy? ›

Yes, the Stoics can not only be happy but also feel the full range of emotions. Stoicism does not impose a lack of humor and passion, so a Stoic can be happy, sad, angry, or intense, and not hide behind expressionless faces.

Who is a stoic person? ›

Being stoic is being calm and almost without any emotion. When you're stoic, you don't show what you're feeling and you also accept whatever is happening. The noun stoic is a person who's not very emotional.

What causes a person to be stoic? ›

Self-Control

Self-control is a key ingredient in living a stoic life. The stoic person is able to control strong emotions, and therefore they are more likely to stay rational and make better decisions. Stoics don't worry about things they can't control, like the actions of other people.

Do Stoics believe in love? ›

Yes, Stoics fall in love, but without abandoning logic. To them, love is a strong form of friendship with a romantic component. Stoics value their loved ones and are concerned with their well-being and prosperity. They help their partner in living a better life and inspire them to a more virtuous existence.

Do Stoics believe in Jesus? ›

Stoicism follows Heracl*tus and believes in one Logos; Christianity follows Jesus, and requires followers to believe in the one true God and have no other gods before him [her]. Additionally, both Stoicism and Christianity serve the will of the Logos/God.

How do Stoics pray? ›

“Nature, give what it pleases you to give, and take what it pleases you to take” (Meditations, 10.14). Stoics, in other words, pray as a means of expressing certain philosophical attitudes that it is within their own power to adopt. We could perhaps compare this to the repetition of a mantra or affirmation.

What is toxic Stoicism? ›

stoicism IS toxic... - YouTube

What are the 12 stoic lessons? ›

  • Rule 1: Own the morning.
  • Rule 2: Only focus on what's in your control.
  • Rule 3: Don't suffer imagined troubles.
  • Rule 4: Treat success and failure the same.
  • Rule 5: Just do one thing every day.
  • Rule 6: Make beautiful choices.
  • Rule 7: Constantly ask, “is this necessary?”
  • Rule 8: Love your fate.

How do you identify a stoic? ›

Pomeroy, for a full list of Stoic traits).
  • Good Judges of Value.
  • Sound Aim and Preparation.
  • Shrewdness and Ingenuity.
  • Tough on Themselves, Understanding of Others.
  • Modesty in Speech, Dress, and Lifestyle.
  • Taming the Tongue: Listening More Than Talking.
  • Kindness, Fellowship, and Fair Dealing.
  • Bravery Is Serving The Common Good.

What is the problem with Stoicism? ›

The problem with stoicism is that it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions. But we are living in a dynamic world which is full of chaos. Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world.

What are the 4 virtues in life? ›

The cardinal virtues are four virtues of mind and character in both classical philosophy and Christian theology. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

What is a Stoic expression? ›

impassive, stoic, phlegmatic, apathetic, stolid mean unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion. impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

What does stoicism say about loneliness? ›

“Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.”

What did Marcus Aurelius say about love? ›

“With good reason I've devoted myself to you,” he eventually writes, “considering your love for me, which I feel so lucky to have.” Whatever the nature and magnitude of his own feelings may have been, he makes no pretense of denying that he loves being so loved: Good-bye, Caesar, and love me the most, as you do.

Is amor fati Stoicism? ›

It is why amor fati is the Stoic mindset that you take on for making the best out of anything that happens: Treating each and every moment—no matter how challenging—as something to be embraced, not avoided. To not only be okay with it, but love it and be better for it.

What does Memento Mori amor fati mean? ›

This design features and stoic wisdom 'Memento Mori, Amor Fati. ' This translates to 'Remember Death, Love your Fate. ' This design is a great way to remind us to embrace fate, focus on what we can control, and live every day as if it's our last!

Is Memento Mori Stoic? ›

The Stoics used Memento Mori to invigorate life, and to create priority and meaning. They treated each day as a gift, and reminded themselves constantly to not waste any time in the day on the trivial and vain.

Do Stoics believe in free will? ›

The classical Stoics were compatibilists, believing in complete determinism and also free will, and asserting directly the the two do not conflict. They asserted that there are no events that don't follow inevitably from causes.

Is Stoicism a religion or philosophy? ›

Taken as a whole, through these definitions and the works of the Roman Stoics, the thesis concludes that Stoicism is a religion by current standards in the field of religious studies.

Is Buddhism a Stoicism? ›

Buddhists believe that suffering comes from our attachment to desires, while Stoics believe that suffering comes from our judgment to external events. A Buddhist eliminates suffering by detaching himself from his desires. A Stoic eliminates suffering by being indifferent to all external events.

What does the tattoo Amor mean? ›

Further elaborating about his tattoo, Amar adds, "It's a combination of a clock, compass, sword, mandala and a Tibetan script, as I love Tibetan scripts. The script means to never give up and don't loose your heart and your time.

What flower is in memento mori? ›

Flowers are a classic symbol of memento mori, reminding us that they eventually wilt and die. Just as we do. “Poppies in traditional Dutch still lifes were often a symbol of deep sleep, death, night, a lot of negative things.

What is Mori tattoo? ›

Meaning Of Memento Mori Tattoo Designs

Its meaning is essentially the same as that of the Latin word memento mori, which means to remember death or suffer death. Taking its origin from the Medieval Latin Christian theory of mortality reflection practice, it developed in Europe during the Middle Ages.

What are the four main virtues? ›

The four virtues named here, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, are said to 'turn around the whole of a virtuous life'. In Plato's philosophy, virtue is nearly synonymous with knowledge rather than moral habit.

Where do the 4 Stoic virtues come from? ›

They are the principles that students should seek to practice if they are to exemplify the character of a Stoic. The virtues are thought to be derived from the teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato, who defined the same four principles in his Republic (Book IV, 426–435).

What are Stoic principles? ›

Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos).

What did the Stoics consider to be the highest virtue? ›

Of the Four Stoic Virtues, Marcus Aurelius said justice was the most important.

What are the seven holy virtues? ›

seven deadly sins

…can be overcome with the seven corresponding virtues of (1) humility, (2) charity, (3) chastity, (4) gratitude, (5) temperance, (6) patience, and (7) diligence.

What is the most important virtue in life? ›

Courage is the most important of the virtues, because without it, no other virtue can be practiced consistently, said Maya Angelou to members of this year's graduating class.

What are stoic virtues? ›

The Stoics often refer to the four cardinal virtues of Greek philosophy: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. (Or if you prefer: wisdom, morality, courage, and moderation.)

What is the problem with Stoicism? ›

The problem with stoicism is that it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions. But we are living in a dynamic world which is full of chaos. Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world.

Are Stoics happy? ›

Yes, the Stoics can not only be happy but also feel the full range of emotions. Stoicism does not impose a lack of humor and passion, so a Stoic can be happy, sad, angry, or intense, and not hide behind expressionless faces.

Is it good to be Stoic? ›

Stoicism holds that the key to a good, happy life is the cultivation of an excellent mental state, which the Stoics identified with virtue and being rational. The ideal life is one that is in harmony with Nature, of which we are all part, and an attitude of calm indifference towards external events.

Do Stoics believe in Jesus? ›

Stoicism follows Heracl*tus and believes in one Logos; Christianity follows Jesus, and requires followers to believe in the one true God and have no other gods before him [her]. Additionally, both Stoicism and Christianity serve the will of the Logos/God.

What is most important to a stoic? ›

For Stoics, virtue is far more important than pleasure. A good life is a life of virtue. In other words, the path to true happiness is not the selfish pursuit of pleasure, but a values-driven life of integrity, ethical behavior, and service.

What do Stoics say about love? ›

The Stoics believed it is a futile attempt to desire love from someone who does not love humanity. For the Stoics, love is an essential part of eudaimonic life—a life that is meaningful and virtuous, free from greed and passion.

Does Stoicism believe in God? ›

Stoicism's interpretation of the creator. Stoics believe that there is a god, but Stoic philosophy allows for the existence of any gods. These philosophies often do not require deities or belief in a deity, and they might even promote atheism.

Who is a Stoic person? ›

Being stoic is being calm and almost without any emotion. When you're stoic, you don't show what you're feeling and you also accept whatever is happening. The noun stoic is a person who's not very emotional.

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