Stoicism is simple, straightforward and useful. That's why it's a philosophy shared by many of history's greatest thinkers. It doesn't cheat, it doesn't try to be engaging, and it doesn't overcomplicate it. It's a strong philosophy of designing for life. The Stoics are only concerned with what they can control, the only thing any of us can really control, our thoughts and actions.
That doesn't mean they don't care about other people. In fact, the Stoics considered themselves citizens of the universe. They regard all human beings as brothers and live in harmony with nature. They believe that true power lies in the whole and that each individual should strive to be the best they can be for the greater good.
The philosophical principles of Stoicism are perfect subjects for tattoos. From brief tattoos with Stoic texts to specific tattoos depicting famous aphorisms of the Stoics, to more elaborate tattoos symbolizing the beliefs of the Stoics. Stoic tattoos are the perfect way to truly embody stoic philosophy.
That's why we've put together this list of the top 10 gritty tattoo ideas. Help inspire your next gritty tattoo. Whether you want great imagery, meaningful script, or a combination of both, these stoic-inspired tattoos will be a top choice for any stoic tattoo lover.
＃10：Memento Mori-scripttattoo
This is one of the most common stoic adages, and with good reason. We only have so much time, and we don't know how much more. So stop thinking about all the things you want to do and just do it. Because if you don't, you may never have the chance. This stoic script tattoo looks as good as its message and the lettering is very clean and crisp, just like the message. This is the perfect tattoo idea for any stoic who likes simplicity.
tattoo bySarah
#9: 4 Stoic Virtues for Tattoos
The Stoics believed that virtue was the only true good in life. The four virtues of Stoicism are simple: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice, and Courage, and these pillars of virtue are all that a Stoic must keep in mind in order to walk the path of virtue. Again, this stoic tattoo is simple and easy to understand, the book represents wisdom, half a glass of wine: moderation, Libra: justice, and lion: courage. There are so many different things you can do to represent these 4 virtues, which is why this is a great idea for a stoic tattoo.
tattoo bySarah
#8: Pure Memento Mori en Memento Vivere
This stoic tattoo has a message that many forget, Memento Vivere, "Remember to live." This is something many of us forget about in our day-to-day lives when we get bogged down and "busy" with all the non-essential stuff. The second message on this tattoo is equally important, Memento Moir, "Remember you will die." Tomorrow can never be promised, start living the life you want today. The red and black on this stoic tattoo work well together, giving it a bit of "grunge polka" and are a great tattoo idea for anyone who is stoic.
(Author unknown, let us know so we can link)
#7: Life and Death Hourglass Tattoo
The hourglass symbolizes the passage of time. This stoic hourglass reminds us of the meaning of time: the cycle of life and death. But the Stoics thought there was nothing to be afraid of, it was natural, and natural was not bad. It's just a reminder to use the time you have wisely because the clock is always ticking. This gritty hourglass tattoo is made from bones and skulls and is perfect for the gritty tattoo idea.
(Author unknown, let us know so we can link)
#6: Young Seneca Tattoo
Seneca was the original "bad boy" of Stoicism, living a life of luxury that most other Stoics would disapprove of. However, this makes him the ideal candidate for a gritty insight into our modern age, where even the most unlucky of us live in luxury compared to our distant ancestors. His books and advice seem to be written today, and they are all about ways to overcome common problems we all face. This makes Seneca a great muse for all stoic tattoos. The stoic Seneca tattoo below has the look I imagine he has when he complains about his "richness problem."
(Author unknown, let us know so we can link)
#5: Stoic Mint Tattoo
Recently, coins with the Stoic inscription have become very popular. That's probably because they look cool, are portable, and some Stoics sell them as junk. The first two reasons make them the perfect stoic tattoo idea, they look cool, and there's no easier way to carry them around than on your skin. The stoicism tattoo below shows a coin with 2 of the most popular stoicism quotes: Memento Mori and Amor Fati.
tattoo bySarah
#4: Tatuaż Yin Yang
Yin Yang is related to another philosophy, Taoism, but Yin Yang has very stoic connotations. First, Yin and Yang symbolize balance. Second, it symbolizes unity with nature. Finally, it symbolizes going with the flow and loving fate. This makes yin and yang, although not of Stoic origin, an ideal choice for a Stoic tattoo. In particular, this yin and yang tattoo combines all these elements beautifully with bright colors against a dark background and contrasting elements of fire and water.
tattoo bysteve
#3: Heart and Spirit Scale Tattoo
The balance of mind and body is the key to any good philosophy, including Stoicism of course. That's why this bowl of balancing hearts and minds is the #3 gritty tattoo on our list of the best gritty tattoo ideas. This stoic tattoo also expresses moderation, the one of 4 stoic virtues. The tattoo style also works well with black and gray thin lines.
tattoo byAlexander Capozzi
#2：Amori Fati en Memento Mori Zandlopertattoo
Next on our list of the best gritty tattoo ideas is the hourglass tattoo of Amor Fati (Love Destiny) and Memento Mori (Remember You Will Die). Putting these stoic sayings on an hourglass is perfect, as is the image that fills the hourglass. Amor Fati at the top has an hourglass filled with trees representing nature. Love fate while alive and be one with nature (living world). The Memento Mori hourglass at the bottom features a skull, reminding us that fate will tear us apart when our time inevitably runs out. This stoic tattoo style is also bold and beautiful with black work, which is the foundation for number two.
(Author unknown, let us know so we can link)
#1: Marcus Aurelius Tattoo
Marcus Aurelius is the most famous stoicist in history, no wonder he inspired so many great stoic tattoos. Knowing that with great power comes great responsibility, the philosopher-king, who recorded his thoughts in a book called Mediation, 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 quotes and aphorisms rank among the top in Western philosophy. The stoicism tattoos below are some of our favorite Marcus Aurelius tattoos, they depict him with various elements of stoicism and are truly beautiful tattoos.
(Author unknown, let us know so we can link)
Bonus Stoic Tattoo Ideas
Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo
One of the most popular stoic quotes made its way into our bonus stoic tattoo ideas, the Memento Mori hourglass tattoo. The tattoo below perfectly completes the lower part of an hourglass shaped like a skull. A further reminder that our time here is limited, and as a true stoic you need to make the most of it.
tattoo byryan
Four Fortitude Virtues Tattoos On Arms
This tattoo is another interpretation of the 4 virtues of stoicism, wisdom, temperance, justice and courage. There are many recurring themes in Stoicism, and that's because they matter. Simple, easy to understand and recall.
tattoo byRato
We hope you enjoyed this list of the top 10 gritty tattoo ideas. If not, it's not a good or bad thing anyway, it just doesn't matter. If you want to see more philosophical tattoosClick here from our list of the top 10 philosophy tattoo ideas.
Let us know which of your favorite stoic tattoo ideas are in the comments below. Let us know if you have a stoic tattoo that you would like to highlight. As always, if this list has inspired you to get a new stoic tattoo, make an appointment with mr. Inkwell tattoo.
goodbye!