STOIC STORE UK Memento Mori Coin, Momento Mori Coin for Daily Stoic Practice, Marcus Aurelius Stoic Coin, Brass EDC Challenge Coin Stoic Medallion Bronze Plating, Memento Mori Medallion Stoic Coins

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After a major military victory, the triumphant military generals were paraded through the streets to the roars of the masses. The ceremonial procession could span the course of a day with the military leader riding in a chariot drawn by four horses. There was not a more coveted honor. The general was idolized, viewed as divine by his troops and the public alike. But riding in the same chariot, standing just behind the worshipped general, was a slave. The slave’s sole responsibility for the entirety of the procession was to whisper in the general’s ear continuously, “Respice post te. Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori!” Such is the rich tapestry of Memento Mori, woven deep into the fabric of art history, making it a fascinating muse for today’s Memento Mori tattoos. Isn’t it remarkable how an ancient concept still finds its pulse in the rhythm of our modern tattoo machines? A Vivid Canvas of Life and Death Crafting a Memento Mori is a journey. There are technical challenges, sure, like ensuring the hourglass looks real, making sure each grain of sand stands out. But beyond that, it’s about capturing an emotion, a philosophy. Every time I work on a Memento Mori design, I'm reminded of the beauty of life and the inevitability of time. And when the needle rests, and the ink settles, the reward is in seeing that emotion come alive, becoming a part of someone forever." The Philosophical Depth beyond the Surface In his Meditations—essentially his own private journal— Marcus Aurelius wrote that “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” That was a personal reminder to continue living a life of virtue NOW, and not wait. The French painter Philippe de Champaigne expressed a similar sentiment in his painting Still Life with a Skull, which showed the three essentials of existence — the tulip (life), the skull (death), and the hourglass (time). The original painting is part of a genre referred to as Vanitas, a form of 17th century artwork featuring symbols of mortality which encourage reflection on the meaning and fleetingness of life.

Dr. BJ Miller, a hospice and palliative care physician, and a triple amputee survivor of a near-death electrocution accident, says meditating on death has become taboo in our culture but is the secret to living: Throughout history, Memento Mori reminders have come in many forms. Some, like the aide behind the general, were there to humble. Others were invented to inspire zest for life. The essayist Michel de Montaigne, for instance, was fond of an ancient Egyptian custom where during times of festivities, a skeleton would be brought out with people cheering “Drink and be merry for when you’re dead you will look like this.” The truth is, we have all been given a fatal diagnosis. The doctor who pulled you out of your mother knew for certain that you were going to die, he just didn’t know exactly when. And neither do you. So keep the reminder of Memento Mori with you. Don’t waste your time on trivial, pointless things. Don’t take for granted the time you have.Life is fleeting so best to not waste it on meaningless goods and pleasures. That’s the message behind vanitas art. Inspired by the first chapter of Ecclesiastes (“ vanity of vanity, all is vanity”), Dutch Golden Age artists of the 17th century used still-life as moral instruction. Artists emphasized the emptiness and futility of earthly items. Skulls, candles, hourglasses, watches, rotting fruit, wilting flowers, and fraying books sat atop a table to remind viewers just how precious life is. Mindfulness of death is a central teaching in Buddhism. The meditative practice maranasati, meaning “death awareness,” is considered essential to better living. It brings recognition to the transitory nature of one’s physical life, and stimulates the question of whether or not one is making the right use of their fragile and precious life. The signet ring was a practical component of Roman life. A man’s ring was engraved with the family crest and was used to seal and sign important documents, when pressed onto wax. The multi-platinum and three time Grammy winning R&B singer The Weeknd, titled his 2018 radio show “ Memento Mori,” featuring his favorite music that is inspired by late nights. Latin tattoos are very attractive and are popular amongst teenage boys. Memento Mori Latin tattoo symbolizes how the wearer is attached to the meaning of this tattoo. People who are followers of Christianity mainly opt for this tattoo. Additionally, you can get this tattoo on the shoulders, arms, wrist, or wherever you want. 19. Memento Mori Sleeve Tattoo

We can imagine Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Cato, Cicero and Epictetus all wearing their rings. It was tradition followed by thousands of powerful philosophers and kings and soldiers in the following centuries. King Edward II, in the Middle Ages, even went as far as to declare that all official documents must be signed by the King’s signet ring. For this reason, most signet rings were destroyed when their owner died. This eliminated the possibility of forgery. Moisturize, but don’t drown it. Apply a thin layer of tattoo-specific lotion or ointment. This keeps the tattooed area hydrated, which is pivotal for healing. Remember, too much can clog pores leading to unsightly pimples. Daily Stoic is excited to announce, in collaboration with bestselling author Robert Greene ( 48 Laws of Power , Mastery ), the Amor Fati medallion. Amor fati is a 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. So that like oxygen to a fire, obstacles and adversity become fuel for your potential. The inside is engraved with Marcus Aurelius’s timeless words: “You could leave life right now…” What’s left to the wearer is to repeat to themselves the final half of his quote: “...Let that determine what you do and say and think.” We must live NOW, while there is still time.

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All coins come with a plastic container case included as well as a Stoic Store UK drawstring pouch – ideal for taking your coin anywhere, presenting it as a gift and protecting it from damage.