A Stoic Idea Worth Tattooing On Your Body

[@williambaxley5007]

Thank you, as always. I am a substance abuse counselor at a prison and your teachings and knowledge of history really help these men understand their true potential. The obstacle is the way.

[@chrismullin8304]

My Brother does what you do. It takes a strong person to do that work. Thank you for being kind!

[@willgary8792]

As a person who spent years as the counseled, the teachings of the stoics, and Ryan as a vessel for the message, have done a tremendous amount for me, both in letting go of guilt and rerealizing my potential (I knew before I became an addict) plus it's helped me to push myself in working to fulfill my potential. I feel soo alive!

[@jacob_1866]

Hey! Im a CADC intern. Its good to see others in the field here

[@frazzle657]

​@Will Gary how's it going Gary? As a by stander this is such an awesome story

[@InnaVitamina777]

❤

[@Alberts_Stuff]

I have suffered with poor mental health for decades, and have somehow survived multiple suicide attempts. I found Ryan 135 days ago, subscribed to the email and bought the daily stoic book and the journal a week later. I’ve been journaling and meditating every day since, and am booked in to have Amor Fati and memento mori tattooed on my biceps next week. I also write in a gratitude book each day and fill out another daily journal for men. This is my key, the key I have so desperately needed all these years. Be grateful every day, read and learn about stoicism every day, and journal and meditate every day. Already my life has completely turned around, it’s work in progress and I am loving the entire learning process. I am truly taking pleasure in bettering myself every day. Thank you Ryan x Ha! (From studying this morning) I just thought of a brand new idea for a stoic tattoo! After learning the word Ataraxia from this video, I also discovered the word Eudaimonia (The state of good spirit. Or the state of happiness and good welfare. So the tattoo (in beautiful italics) goes Ataraxia ➡️ Eudaimonia + apatheia (no blue background on the ‘leads to/causes’ arrow) I’m gonna get it on my chest! Thanks again Ryan!

[@edwinvalentinocamacho7220]

I pray you find peace and the beleif that you are special and belong here ...you have a purpose...please seek it and you will realize so much more to never want to give up.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

@@edwinvalentinocamacho7220 Thank you very much for those kind words 🙏🏼

[@jamilynn322]

Prayers for you and all those suffering from the pain of mental illness - may you find what you need in every sense of the word. You may want to research the focused use of psychedelics such as psilocybin, if that resonates with you. Check out DoubleBlind and The Third Wave - tons of peer-reviewed academic research and helpful communities. Peace.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

@@jamilynn322 Thank you very much, I do know a little about this, always food for thought 🙏🏼☺️

[@kimwoodhouse7891]

You found the Stoics and kept the practice going. That takes courage and strength. 🙏

[@acraze2287]

"memento mori" and "amor fati" are def my fav stoic terms

[@ZenMaster762]

It is amazing how ideas parallel between stoicism and Taoism/Buddhism. Though historically nobody was known to have brought one to the other.

[@tylerhendricks9351]

I've toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo for many years now. I've wanted it to be something deeply meaningful and for me. Not a work of art for the world, but a stark reminder to myself if I ever got one. Watching this video was the inspiration I needed. Will be getting "MASTER THE SELF" tattooed on my inner forearm within the coming weeks. A constantly visible reminder to myself that before I seek to master others or the world, I need to win the ever ongoing battle within myself first.

[@mski13339]

I’ve been working on perfecting my memento mori tattoo, can’t wait to carry this reminder with me always.

[@AaronBuley]

Same

[@ohgoosey6233]

Awesome! 💪

[@SmexyAsianGirls]

I have Amor Fati tattooed on my inner forearm to remind me of Stoicism. When I’m faced with anything external that’s out of my control, I look at that tattoo to put everything into perspective. Struggle and difficulties are what it means to be alive, and without it, you wouldn’t be able to push through and build character. Every event is the right one, whether you agree with it or not.

[@GamerBrosLetsPlay]

Cool i thought about getting the tattoo too. Would you mind share a pic from the tattoo? :)

[@vwp19]

@@GamerBrosLetsPlay cool i wanted this tattoo as well

[@Raven5563]

Ataraxis-- it's what I experience when I'm in "the Zone", working on an illustration or practicing the bass. It's all about finding serenity in doing the work. I never had a name for that feeling till now. Thank you!

[@caitlin_mccoll]

Oh I guess thats the Greek word for 'flow '? (But much cooler lol)

[@instar6427]

they call this flow state

[@Jayhawkfinance]

So awesome to see you collaborate with Andy Pho on a tattoo. I got my Marcus Aurelius/Memento Mori inspired tattoo done at his brother's shop in Las Vegas!

[@keneticchannel]

As an observant Jew, I'm forbidden from receiving tattoos. That being said, that's probably the only reason why I'm not covered in them. 😂 But as a Stoic, I wear a pinkie signet ring that says "Momento Mori" -- with the iconic hour glass, skull, and tulip -- at all times. Whenever I see it, it wakes me up to the present moment to analyze whether I'm utilizing my time as I would with the knowledge that death could come at any moment. I highly recommend this practice.

[@juliancuber]

Where can I get that ring?

[@keneticchannel]

Daily Stoic has one for sale. There are a few on Etsy, but I think most of those sellers are scammers. I lucked out with a good one.

[@edwinvalentinocamacho7220]

Christians too, aren't suppose to mark the body,,

[@keneticchannel]

@@chinopisces They're only useless if such a way of life is not actively enhancing the quality of the person and how they impact this world. My not getting a tattoo is only a small part of a larger identity and associated lifestyle that does not politely ask, but instead commands us to help the less fortunate and work to bring justice to an unbalanced world. It doesn't mean that I think tattoos aren't fascinating or that the people who get them are wrong, but that my particular simply doesn't include tattoos on my person. Traditional Judaism is loaded with many other physical reminders of life-enhancing concepts, we just don't happen to inscribe them on our bodies, is all.

[@keneticchannel]

@@edwinvalentinocamacho7220 True-we share the same chapter in Leviticus that prohibits this. Then again, though, that same chapter also prohibits shaving one's beard. Come to the grizzly side! 😆

[@benwillson5509]

You have gotten so good at making content. I’m so happy I found you several years ago. Your books shaped the way I looked at life. Thanks for pushing through your hard times to get to this point in your career. ✌️

[@vickielewallen3799]

I like him because he *gives credit* to his mentors, the people who inspired him. Some motivational speakers don't. They act like or imply that they were enlightened with wisdom that just "landed" on them out of nowhere. As if they were sages themselves, were born wise. Ryan is humble and honest enough to give credit to others.

[@emiliog.4432]

Wow. The man actually had it tattooed on his arm! Very cool. I want one.

[@bassstellar]

Great video. I would argue against identifying your ego as an "enemy" though. Your ego is vitally important to you and deserves awareness, over vilification. What is key is having a healthy relationship with it. That involves a realization that your ego is a part of your mind & identity, but does not comprise the entirety of one's identity. Your ego is comparative by nature, pitting your own actions/sense of self/values against those of others. Having awareness and practicing mindfulness can help you see your ego for what it is, and accept it no matter how it behaves.

[@mactireliath2356]

I agree that there is a realization that applies to the Ego. But to arrive at that state, most of us have to go to battle with it; to teach it, like an animal, how to behave within the organism of the Self. For most, this is an engaged conflict. We hold the acknowledgment that, at any time, we may lose touch and allow the Ego to rule us. To maintain vigilance can require a militant mindset. The “enemy”, then, is a manifestation of this reality.

[@bassstellar]

@@mactireliath2356 Great points. Thanks for sharing your perspective! I can relate, and I've been there. Thinking about your response more...my worry there is a never-ending battle that could lead to exhaustion, shame, & self-hatred. That's where awareness & mindfulness is key! Balance. Anyways, thanks for the additional thoughts here!

[@DamiantenBohmer]

Ryan, you rock; I LOVE the words you write and say; things resonate so well from the #StoicWisdom of 2,000 years ago and even better today...

[@samuelzparkerz]

You inspired me to get an Amor Fati tattoo. I too kept the orientation for myself to read - also added a smiley face above it, why not smile when fate is testing us?

[@carlosdellerer1948]

That’s a really neat idea!

[@giovanicastellani1545]

I justo had mine last Week,,so inspiring

[@VikasTripathi]

Along with the impactful words, the clips and video editing, the background score elevates this video like nothing else. They complement the wisdom being imparted and make reflection after this video much richer

[@dbadaddy7386]

I got a degree in project management. It really helps in adapting, and any time I find the limits of project management, I fall back on stoicism.

[@caitlin_mccoll]

I'm gonna be getting memento mori and amor fati as tattoos (and also 'made of stardust' - because I've always loved the idea we're made of the same stuff as the stars, and 'we're all just stories in the end' cuz I'm a writer)

[@ricom2225]

Legit have an appointment in a month to get the same on my wrist!

[@caitlin_mccoll]

@@ricom2225 nice!!! Which one? (Or both?)

[@technerdy]

thanks for this. the last few months have really been a mental battle, and today i decided i was going to feel good. This was the perfect ending to my day

[@fredochikan8021]

Awesome 💯

[@spacestem]

I have a circle with a dot in the middle tattooed on my inner wrist, to help remind me to pause and consider what is within my control and what is not.

[@rex8255]

I've heard people using the word "Mantra" for decades... your the only person to ever define it! As someone who knows (based on personal observation) that misunderstood words are THE key thing that blocks understanding.

[@natnaelfasil9174]

I have fallen the wagon so many times but now and then this is becoming my Northstar!!!!

[@allmarknobite8726]

Spot-on, Ryan. At last count I've read five of your books and they just keep getting better. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@brian4155150]

Love your work Ryan, weird I just met Andy couple months ago at a seminar. Awesome guy

[@majortree]

I'm in the process of selling my house and the operations manager for the realtor that I'm working with is a professional young woman, very bright and intelligent. I noticed she had "Amor Fati" tattooed in small text on the inside of her right forearm. I pointed it out and we had a brief chat about Stoicism. She is a big fan of The Obstacle is The Way ("one of the best books I've ever read..."). Interestingly, she said I was the only person who's ever commented on her tattoo and known what it meant. I'm an old fart and I find it heartening that the younger generation is embracing Stoicism and Ryan's books. Lord knows, I've given several to my nephews for inspiration during these trying times! Wisdom indeed, my friends...

[@mleatherman10]

The video on memento mori helped me quit smoking after years of failure. Every time I feel like I'm going to break I like to remind myself.

[@adriennepichette5743]

Amor Fati and Memento mori are tattooed on my forearms where I can read them - love the reminders! 💕 Thanks for all you do Ryan

[@edwinvalentinocamacho7220]

Listening Ryan Holiday just confirms to me that when the student was ready the teacher appeared , I look forward to his daily podcast and KZbin videos 📹...not to mention reading meditations over nd over ...thank you for introducing us to this philosophy when we needed it most.

[@austinlouis3139]

I have been on and off about the idea of getting my first one. What I do know is if I do pull the trigger it’s going to be stoicism inspired. Great video!

[@jzen1455]

Likewise. The reason I currently don't have a tattoo is indecision, and I find the vast majority of tattoos ugly. In the unlikely event I decide upon getting one, it will definitely be stoic related.

[@traphall]

@@jzen1455 Same I'm not the biggest fan of tattoos but I was planning on getting a half sleeve of Marcus Aurelius

[@kimkeck6266]

May I PLEASE say something here???? Do not get a tattoo!! Trust me as a 59 year old mother who almost got one many many years ago BEFORE they were popular...you will stand out more than you ever will know OR realize by NOT being tattooed!! Just don't do it! Be beautiful and clean the way you were brought into this world! I didn't look at your names therefore I have no idea IF you are male OR females. Be an original AND do not follow the crowd....it makes you even more special than you already are!! I know you are special BECAUSE you are on this channel! 🌷🙏🥰❤️💪😘

[@kimkeck6266]

Hey guys...look for a comment earlier from a Ryan guy!! He took the words right out of my mouth! He articulated much better than I did about getting tattoos! 🌷🙏🥰❤️

[@darkshamrock1980]

@@kimkeck6266 Exactly this. I am the sum product of all my ancestors struggling, living, and loving across thousands of years. They all died, as I will one day. My body may just be a mortal coil, but it's their gift to me. They passed into the abyss, but I remain, for now. I'm not going to desecrate this gift from them and mark myself so that everyone around me thinks I'm "cool." So long as I carry the knowledge of the ancients in my head and act upon them accordingly, that is enough for me.

[@midnightoil2253]

I heard a youtube read of Marcus' Meditations and their interpretation for the four are: Freedom, respect, simplicity and modesty. Same same, just different words.

[@pete9894]

I'm considering getting a momento mori tattoo with the dates of my twin brothers death. He died last month and I feel like the message of momento mori will help me get through this.

[@jessinthegarden]

So sorry for your loss, that’s a beautiful idea. 🌸

[@kimkeck6266]

Pete...I am so sorry to read this! Blessings to you! It must absolutely kill you ESPECIALLY being a twin. I lost my sister at age 45 of alcoholism...I was 50 and it was the worst event in my life. I have had many. I miss her more than anything! I have never been afraid to die AND knowing she is in heaven with others I know gives me comfort! Again I am so sorry that you ALL have lost your brother...your twin! 🌷🙏❤️‍🩹😘

[@megarachne3000]

sorry for your loss brother. Wishing you strength

[@gustavomota2287]

I tattoed the cover of one of your books. It reminds me of what I want for my life. ego is the enemy.

[@cosmos-smallpiece5786]

Hey Ryan , seriously …Thank you so much pal …. If I’m ever feeling lazy or low , I think of you . This morning , I was struggling to deal with the day in my head and this video popped up and within 5 mins ,I’d done my SSS , fed the cat and re-organised my day ….bring it on world .

[@samsohn]

I think necklaces are very powerful. Literally a weight on your neck reminding you of whatever you want it to. Ive worn my necklace since 9/11 when my father passed. It originally had a mitzpah coin in the shape of a moon that said 'dad' on the back (my sibling had the other half of the coin pendant) & the my great grandfather's Jewish star - years later I let my wife add a sun pendant. Now I have my son moon and stars around my neck reminding me of what matters in this small window of our human existence.

[@isaiahgaringer5802]

I have a tattoo that says "Acta Non Verba" I actually got it prior to learning about Stoicism, and it has all come full circle and practicing Stoicisms is an essential part to my life now.

[@mertz7305]

So glad that you mentioned faith in this video. I’ve worked with youth for twenty years; basically since I was one myself. I have no problem reading Meditations on the side. It’s obvious when you know that era of history just how prevalent the philosophy was. I will always defer to Scripture, but Marcus had some things down that Paul had written on years before. Thanks for continuing the awareness of stoicism and keep up the great content!

[@Junior-lz9jh]

I came across your teachings and discovered Stoic philosophy after a 17 year opiate addiction and this discovery couldn't have occurred at a more perfect time in my life, at a time where it was meant to happen, as if it was planned for me prior to my existence. Ibogaine was introduced to my life and it allowed me to break the chains of my addiction and the day after this experience, Stoicism was introduced into my life and it has truly been transformative. Today I escaped anxiety, or no I discarded it. Because it was within me, in my own perceptions. - not outside. I heard this meditation once and I never forgot it.

[@flashbackcubsfan2055]

I'd love to see a close up of the tattoo. I like the idea.

[@markonovakovic3838]

Am also getting tattoos of ideas important to me, stoic ideas to be precise 😃, and I also turn tattoos towards me so I can read them. They are for me. I have 4 virtues on my fingers, owl, lion, scales and for temperance I have pythagoras cup. Great reminders

[@knelos]

Thank you for this gift that you are giving me everyday!

[@Umbear]

Because of you I’ve got Memento mori and Amor Fati tattoos

[@ryangraham2156]

Thank you. Your messages get me through the day.

[@matthewduffy550]

"As you are, I was. As I am, you will be." I think might be mine if I were to get one. Little more poetic than "memento mori", IMO. It is from a Roman tombstone.

[@YallahYah]

Cardinal virtues = Courage, Temperance, Justice, Wisdom 🦁💧🍷⚖️ 🦉

[@thisisyourmindranting1095]

While I refrain from getting ink on my skin, I have written in the front of my journals “momento mori” as a reminder that I got one more day to be grateful of things. Thank you for putting out another banger video, Ryan.

[@nolimits9612]

new tattoo for my leg thank you

[@drew3]

You really live it man. Mucho respect

[@franciscobolzan9134]

Argentina?

[@drew3]

@@franciscobolzan9134 no SoCal😂

[@lorenab3185]

Wow first time I actually consider a tattoo. That would be a great reminder.

[@lillyandtheghosts3597]

I got Momento Mori on one arm and Momento Vivere on the other ❤️

[@LaimonasRimkus]

I read 3 of your books. I would say, it changed how i think a lot. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@shawnteaney5254]

I don’t have tattoos - for several reasons - but my Momento Mori and Amor Fati ring reminds me every day to “fill my cup” every day. (I’m working on it!). It is a little awkwardly sized, wanting always to slip off no matter what finger I put it on, which I find part of its meaning, charm and poetry ❤️🙏🌝 Ryan!!

[@RealziesCuts]

Thank you, the email is mandatory God is Great Everyone stay Blessed 💫❤️🏆

[@bayotte4]

I love it! Been journaling since January. 🫶🙏

[@bballstrategy]

Is ego the "enemy", though? It's a part of who we are and it's in place for a reason. Have to find a way to become friends with it rather than treating it as an enemy. Nothing in this world is meant to be an enemy. We choose to make it that way. I understand what you're saying though. It took a long time for me to even consider the notion that I shouldn't "hate" the ego for it finds ways to tear you down if you're not mindful of it

[@crystalsteinberg1945]

Have you read the book?

[@jamilynn322]

Thank you so much for explaining how your tattoo was positioned - I have a tattoo on my inner wrist that's in memoriam of my parents positioned the same way and have actually had people tell me, "You put that on wrong". No - it's for MY parents - why would I have it facing outward for others to see? Love all your books - can't wait to get "Discipline" when it comes out.

[@kakashifuijin]

Today I am getting my 1st one under the same reasoning I need to remind this

[@evan191919]

This is the first time in years I’ve finished one of your videos beginning to end. Thats not to say anything bad or good. It just is what it is.

[@kimkeck6266]

😉🥴🤭🌷🙏🥰❤️

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Great meditation to start the day- love the mantras.

[@mentugo]

Looking forward to a "memento mori" tattoo - don't know the way it's supposed to look yet...

[@oediteiro4163]

What an amazing video, I needed to see this video today!

[@dotpace7284]

Thanks again Ryan! I have other tattoos...I will consider getting my last tattoo as "Obstacle is the Way "! I'm 75 and I have 5 tattoos so far....I'm now reading your book "Ego is the Enemy"!thanks so much!

[@dannyrichardson8861]

I love the quote ‘what is in our control… what is not in our control’ but want to make sure I have the Greek translation correct

[@JohnGuilherme31]

Such a funny timing for a video like this 😂 Two weeks ago I got 5 principles of stoicism tattoed on the back of my right hand as my first tattoo!

[@ozab2072]

what are they

[@ivangutierrez5897]

Thank you so much Ryan I've been subscribed to your email , and it's been wonderful

[@lakersrdbest]

Tattoo it on your mind💪

[@charlesclem]

When I need a reminder I prefer post-it notes, but that's just me...

[@evann3816]

Babe wake up new stoic tattoo just dropped

[@gabrielpetersen8528]

I’m thinking about getting in to stoicism. But i enjoy aimlessness and oblivion. I enjoy chaos and I enjoy the beauty of imperfection. I’m not talking theoretically. I genuinely love when throngs go my way and I love adversity. It’s probably because I have the privilege of being able to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. Because I don’t wake up every day in pain. Because I am not systematically oppressed by society for my skin color or beliefs, but my own choice to indulge my self. I don’t know. I love the idea of stoicism but I also love just fulfilling the purpose of being. I’m just here for the experience. I’m hoping it’s not a bad one and loving that it’s been great so far.

[@enclaveofficerfitzgerald2221]

You sound confused

[@paulohryn5123]

I didn't realize you had stoic tatoos. I am in the process if designing a prohairesis tattoo for my forearm for me to look at as a constant reminder. Cool man....

[@nick6703]

memento mori was my first tattoo and the most important, I see it every day

[@Hctans]

Ego is not the enemy

[@edgarpoe591]

Was half asleep when i saw this video, thought for a second that drew gooden made a tattoo video

[@vincentcardenas394]

That's crazy. I was planning to get Seneca tutoring Nero tattooed on my biceps

[@ztein5922]

Wanted a memento mori and amor fati tattoo for a long time now someday ill get one

[@mrcjc9298]

Excellent video, as always. I wish I'd known about stoicism as a teen-ager, but it has become useful during the pandemic and the current situation in Europe and Ukraine at the moment.

[@mnm-jr]

Thank you for everything you do!

[@astralcowboy6231]

I have amor fati tattooed on my knuckles. It is an anchor when storms arrive.

[@benjaminhamm3957]

Thank you

[@Abletuan]

Cảm ơn Ryan! You are truly a blessing! 👍

[@conorsilk4449]

Thank you Ryan

[@alanchriston6806]

Brilliant Ryan 😊🏴‍☠️

[@cbmusgrave]

Tattooed it on my brain - right where I want it.

[@sierraryanwallick2832]

Loved this video! 🙌

[@facemiddie]

I actually have two stoic tattoo appointments scheduled in a few months

[@DefeatLust]

You're the man

[@algamboa1987]

Had no idea you were based out of Texas. Might make a trip from NTX to your store.

[@colepeltier8472]

EXCUSE ME?!?!?! Ive been thinking of tattooing something stoic on my body since Ive found your channel recently and you make THIS VIDEO?!?!?!

[@justinbritton8608]

Very well done.

[@pamelars7497]

I had the same argument with mi ataraxia tattoo. Is facing me, she was going crazy and screwed up the tattoo a bit because didn't agree with doing it "backwards" I think it adds to the meaning of it 😁

[@favritzapp]

I wanted to get Momento Mori and Amor Fati tattooed on my wrists and currently don’t have any tattoos so I decided to have a bracelet made first to try it out

[@Tkd-Al]

Love these 🙏🙏 What font was used out of interest?

[@Choonchilla]

Thank you!

[@Three2Juan]

Keep it up!

[@smoupnhoize]

I'm starting a memento mori/amor fati tattoo next week!

[@mdelag8800]

Thanks you very much Always great

[@RicoMoneybags]

I owe you many thanks… But I’m sure this one will due…. Thank you for all that you have done not just for me but all your Subscribers…

[@odinata]

Reminds me of that saying that goes to the effect," Those who knows Zen don't claim to know Zen". If you need to put a permanent advertisement on your body for the whole world to see what your beliefs are, maybe you're not really so sure yourself.

[@vincenthimself2986]

Who here has imagined death to the point you though you were actually going to die because of a single minor body pain? It happened to me after reading about the stoic practice and I cried out for my mom I was so scared I actually thought I was going to die. Life has improved 10x since that event