The Stoic Emblem
posted by DT Strain at 11:11 PM
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PLEASE NOTE THIS SITE IS RETIRED. THE CURRENT SITE IS HumanistContemplative.org
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PLEASE NOTE THIS SITE IS RETIRED. THE CURRENT SITE IS HumanistContemplative.org
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78 Comments:
Wow... You did a great job with that! I am quite jealous.
:P
Thanks Simplekiwi! :)
I'm a lurker from the Yahoo stoic forum. Stoic Emblem is a great idea. It looks real nice, I immediately imagined it on a wall, as a grafitti by a stoic revolutionary (quite unlikely, I know). My favorite is the background: the rays and the frieze - very elegant! I have one suggestion: you could also make a much simpler version that can be easily and quickly drawn in freehand, like a sign of recognition among stoics. Again, you did a great job!
Thanks much miniaras! I would imagine a freehand drawn version would just be a flame with a circle around it. Wouldn't have to be the same exact shape flame, but maybe just make sure it had four points and that would probably do it. :)
Wow, so much thinking into something that looks so simple. Where do you find the time?
Thanks Sillycrazyme. I DON'T have the time - I'm just terribly undisciplined! :)
I am a member of the Stoic Forum. I can think of no better emblem to represent Stoicism. I will with proper recognition to the designer proudly use this emblem as a signature on my Stoic posts.
Iusta Sempronia Iustina
Thanks very much! I'm honred that you would wish to use it :)
Sir,
With your permission, I would like to use the Stoic Emblem as a signature for my posts at the Jedi Realist Academy. I will note your blog address on my student journal so everyone will know what the emblem means.
Thanks Iaret Rai. Please feel free to do so, I'd be honored :)
I happened upon your site looking for ancient imagery to represent our like minded small group who ride motorcycles.I would like to use your deign (attributable)with your consent.
Hello anonymous :)
Thanks much for your interest! I'm curious - are you folks Stoics? Are just interested in ancient imagery? If so, I just want to make clear that I made up this image so it's not actually "ancient" in origin. Anyway, that's just FYI. If you choose to use it, that's great - just so long as it's not represented as being anything other than representing Stoicism. Thanks again :)
Was looking specifically for imagery connected to Stoicism, especially that which would fit well witha small fraternity of sorts.
Ah I see. Well, good luck with it! :)
I'm going to start using the emblem on my specifically stoic posts. Thank you for the work on it.
Yours truly,
Mr. X
...student...
Hi. My friend and I are starting up a band called Stoic. So i googled the name looking for images that I could use on our myspace page. However, I am a graphic design student and appreciate your work, and do not believe in ripping people off. So, I was wondering if I could put it on out myspace page, with a link to this site, and decalre that it is not our work, but yours.
Hi Miniaras,
Yes, please feel free to use this logo. As long as you link here and in any printed items (CD covers, posters, etc) you credit Daniel Strain and provide the URL address. And thanks for your interest :)
Sorry that last note I left was to Joshua Rawls, not Miniaras!
Also, I should add this: if your band gets famous or something, you can use the logo as long as you don't try to promote it as exclusively a logo for your band. I want this to be a generic logo for anything Stoic and available to all Stoics to use. Thanks.
It's beautiful. A perfect symbol for Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius would have been proud. With your permission, I would like to use it as my avatar on www.legendofzeldaseries.com and maybe a few other places but just as my avatar. I really love it.
Thanks for the kind words Colm :)
Yes, please feel free to use the emblem!
wow..Can I use the emblem? I also want to become a sage someday..
-A stoic prokopton
Sure Epictetus fan, thanks for your interest :)
With your permission, I will soon be branding myself with this symbol. (tattoo) I'll make sure get all of the proportions right. may we all find the true meaning of stoic, and apply it's positives to our lives.
Hi Jon. Certainly you may do this if you wish. If the artist needs anything special from me to make it as good as possible, please let me know. Also, I hope you'll email me some pics once its done! :)
Hi Strain, just stumbled onto your design, and love it. I know this is out of left-field, but I'm in dire need of a logo/graphic/and or record cover for an unsigned band. After one look, and with all its meaning...I would be thrilled to get your blessing to use. If you'd consider, we can talk further about creditation, and compensation, etc...
Repost here and let me know:)
Hi Chris. Thanks for your interest. I'd be ok with anyone using the emblem, as long as they don't try to claim it as their property, take undue credit, or claim it represents something it doesn't. Also, if you look up a few comments, you'll see that Joshua Rawls has left a similar one in search of something band related, and I've also allowed it there since I'm making the logo open access, with the stipulations outlined in the original post. I suppose if you don't like that other band using the image, that's between the both of you. But either or both is ok by me. -Thanks :)
You should enter that here:
http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=10683667
Thanks anonymous :)
I went there and it just seems to be people talking about the contest. I didn't see anything actually linking to the rules or a place to submit.
absolutely magnificent
Thanks!
GENIOUS, GONNA HAVE IT AS TATTOO!! ~~
Thanks Rene! Please send me a pic if you do :)
Absolutely ingenious. I am so glad. Finally a logo that symbolizes the lost art of great, true and clear thinking. I only wish more people understood it's great value. S.
Thanks Skip :)
Hey, love the emblem, would like to use it for my desktop background. Can I have a high res copy of it? Thanks!
Please send it to therobisino@gmail.com
I am impressed with your work and would like to use this emblem on my own blog (with the proper citation, of course). I am a Stoic prokopton myself.
Thanks JLA! Yes, please feel free to use it as stimulated in the post :)
can we use this emblem for our guild in valkyrie??
Hi L'ilith,
Sure, as long as it's credited. Thanks :)
Powerful image dt. I was looking for something that expressed 'unity' for my blog http://www.eyeon2050.com/
This will way do. The spirit in which it is offered is very much a part of it. Thanks. I'll link your blog. rm
Thanks Rich! :)
Excellent design! Thanks for your great work in revitalizing the New Stoicism and your thoughtful use of symbols. For more alternative analysis of the Stoic perspective please check the following link where I have used your logo with a link back to you:
http://www.malaspina.org/marcus.htm
Russell McNeil, author of "The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius: Selections Annotated and Explained" (Skylight Paths Publishing)
I took a look at your nice site Russell - thanks for the comment and the link :)
Awesome symbol DT. I didn't think people could still make em like that anymore. It's old skool and full of depth like the kabbalistic tree of life, yet full of modern energy and spice, a true revelation and a magnificent creation.
I'm sure it will endure for all eternity and men will be proud to bear it wherever they go.
Speaking of which, I would also like to get it as a Tattoo. I have a couple of questions about it if you don't mind:
1) Is there an apt stoic-related location on the body to get the symbol tattooed, where perhaps everyone who gets the tattoo can get it in the same place? Or else I was thinking it could go on the top part of my right arm, any views on this?
2) I notice there are 32 rays and key pattern nodes. Is there a reason for using 32 of them in particular?
I would like to say that it's very good and kind of you to freely share this with the world DT. Thank you very much and I'll be sure to send you some pics when I eventually get it done (Probably in the Summer).
PS
Although I've always held a Stoic viewpoint, I don't know anyone else who is one. Can you reccommend a good placefor me to start?
Hi Bario, thanks for your comments! To answer your questions:
1) I only know of one other person who has expressed an interest in the stoic emblem as a tatoo, so there is no place on the body that would be considered standard.
2) The reason there are 32 of those rays is simply due to spacing and proportion considerations. If there had been more rays and keys, then they would have had to be smaller in proportion to the overall emblem and vice versa. So, it's just an aesthetic choice - that particular element of the emblem has no symbolic meaning.
I look forward to seeing pics of your tatoo! :)
Daniel
Dear Daniel:
Your logo is just AMAZING, and the meaning you embbeded into it will ensure its inmortality.
Hi there. I´m a Scout Master in Salta, Argentina. Lord Baden-Powell, the Founder of Scouting, recomended Stoicism as the philosophy that any Scout should cultivate.
That´s why I would like to have your permission to use your design in a book I´m writing about Scouting,as an emblem to Stoicism, in the explanation of this matter.
And, could you please send me the original files? That would help me to improve the printing quality.
Yes, I´m linking back to you.
Be Prepared!
Scout Master Gustavo Solivellas
Salta, Argentina
gustavo_solivellas@yahoo.com.ar
I like the emblem, but I think that stoicism should not have one. The ancient stoics didn't have one, so why should we. This philosophy must not degenerate into some kind of dogmatism or even religion where people stop to think and praise idols instead. The symbolism you've put in this emblem does not really tell what it's all about...
Thanks for the comment George. I am also against dogmatism. I'm not sure how a graphic representation is connected with not thinking however. The word "Stoicism" is also a graphical representation. Both are shapes representing the concept, nothing more.
Hey. If you are still monitoring this, I was wondering if I could have permission to use this emblem on the College of Stoic Philosphers website. The College is the educational arm of the Stoic Registry, and both are non-profit, volunteer based organizations.
Hi Michel,
I'd be honored if you'd like to use the emblem for that :)
Thank you, you are kind. I would like to request higher resolution versions, perhaps in vector format if they are still available.
As a side note, your inspiration and graphic ability have lent what is typically an individual or at best small group effort (the restoration of a Stoic lifestyle) a unifying symbol.
You will, of course, receive full credit for the image. How would you like to be recognized for this important contribution?
Michel,
How about a 12 foot statue of me erected in the center of Zeno's hometown, with a sign reading, "DT Strain, greatest Stoic of the 21st Century"?
...ok just Kidding LOL
You can credit me as "DT Strain" - thanks! :)
They're not with me at the moment, but I'll email you those files asap.
I think I'll tattoo it to my body if that's ok with you...
Thanks Anonymous, I'm flattered. You're about the 5th or 6th person who has mentioned that. I always ask if I can be sent a photo of it after, but haven't received any yet. Please do send me one if you have it done. Also, let me know if you need any other files beyond those available already in the post here.
Actually, it would be helpful to have some of the larger files... and if I do go through with it I would definitely send you a picture, I just need to know how...
Sure thing, just send me an email (dtstrain@yahool.com) and I'll reply with the file attached. Also, I need to know whether you need color or if it will be a black-only tattoo.
@yahool.com???
I've never heard of that. I hope I was right in guessing that you meant @yahoo.com...
That's very creative and nice.
Thanks! :)
There is always one critic so I guess I'm it. Just looking at the emblem without reading your explanation, it looks more Arabic than Greek. Your explanation shows that you have a great amount of creativity. I would respectfully request that you tweak your design to make it look more Greek.
That's interesting, thanks for the input. I'm not sure what sort of thing would be needed to make it more 'Greek', nor what exactly makes it look 'Arabic'. Not that I'm debating you, I'm just not sure I understand. I could make a version that looks like a more flat piece of Greek art on the side of some reddish-brown pottery or something, but that's more of a style representation (one incarnation) rather than a change in the base design itself.
Until now,(Findng your site) all that I had truly knew of the word Stoic was what it meant. It was an idea that I enjoyed and related to, related so much that I took it as a name for myself. I too am a graphic design artist. Any art work that I have drawn, which is strictly for myself and friends I sign with my real name and my alias; Stoic Edge.
The fact that there is an entire philosophy dedicated to this idea is a perfect find for me now. A lot of trials and tribulations have come my in the recent years and I have been finding myself losing my cool for the most insignificant things. Your symbol has given me a hope for a way to get back in control of myself and my emotions.
I too would like to show my gratitude for your hard work and effort put forth in this symbol by having it tattooed. Also, if you could advise me in any works literature that would be beneficial in me beginning my journey into Stoicism I would be greatful. I look forward to reading your reply, Thank you in advance.
The Stoic Edge.
Hi Stoic Edge :)
If you're looking for something introductory, try "The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius" by Mark Forstater. For something a little more in depth, I'd go with "The Stoic Art of Living" by Tom Morris. And then for the really in-depth stuff, you'd want to go for original texts by Epictetus, with some Seneca and Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations". But understanding their lingo and terms is not as simple as it appears. For long term study, I'd highly recommend getting on the International Stoic Forum. There are lots of people there far more learned than myself on the topic, who are happy to share their knowledge. I also have some introductory level discussion on Stoicism on my philosophy site (see "About Stoicism"). Hope that helps!
PS - if you do get the tattoo, please send me a pic - I'd love to see it :)
Nice image. I can't believe the stoics didn't have an image already. Way to fill a need that's been standing for awhile.
Could I have a high res image for a desktop background?
I like the flame symbol, it looks really cool. But isn't the only likely symbol for Stoa an actual Stoa(pillar)? Or did you all think that it was just a funny word?
Actually I think the word refers to the painted "porch", which has pillars and a roof (such as the Stoa on which Zeno began teaching by the Athenian agora). In any case, that would be a legitimate alternative approach to creating an emblem. I chose instead to focus on the contents of the Stoic teachings rather than the origins of their name :)
From Diego, Rome, Italy.
Nice your emblem, now just an information which may inspire your further work.
As a Roman follower of stoicism (meaning I pass every morning close to Marcus Aurelius' statue on my way to my job) I use to wear a small, simple and living emblem of socratic way of life.
I wear a small hemclock flower in the small top left hole on my jacket.
Personally, I stress the countinuous socratic thread throughout stoic phylosophy.
Thank you Anonymous from Rome :)
Wearing hemlock is an interesting practice. It makes me think maybe I should make an iconic emblem of the hemlock plant to represent the Socratic life. Hmm...
Hi again Strain!
Two things:
1. Your Stoic Emblem is better that the other one. The New Stoa Logo is very cool, but yours is definitively better.
2. I wanted to share with you the Estoicism Chapter I developed for the Scouts (in spanish only, sorry) but I used your logo there, as we accorded to, so I wanted you to see it. I also added the explanations of your Stoic Emblem in spanish.
Check it out here:
http://www.guiasyscoutsdesalta.com.ar/filosofia_scout_estoicismo.html
Or, go to www.guiasyscoutsdesalta.com.ar, then click on Cons.Provincial (orange tab) later on Filosofía, and then on Estoicismo.
I hope you like it!
MS Gustavo Solivellas
Guías y Scouts de Salta
www.guiasyscoutsdesalta.com.ar
Hi Gustavo :)
Thank you for your comment and for letting me know about your website. I am unfortunately not a Spanish speaker but was still able to figure out the essence of the content. I'm pleased the emblem was of use to you and wish you the best in your efforts!
Way back when I asked if I could get your stoic emblem tattooed on my body... and now I did. If you like I could send you a picture or two when it heals up.
Hey Anonymous - Yes, I'd love to get a picture - thanks :)
--Daniel Strain
I and my friends admire your stoic emblem so much. We are AB philosophy students in St.peter col. seminary.We would like to ask your permission to use your emblem in our logo. Like you, we are stoics in the line of Epictetus. Thank you in advance!
I would love to get a copy of the high resolution for both the Stoic Emblem on white & on black. If possible, please send to robisonrage@gmail.com
Thanks a ton!
Awesome work! Do you know the meaning and symbolism behind the last image?
Hello - awesome work. I am interested in the symbolism behind the last image. Do you know the meaning behind this last one "added by Michel Daw?"
Sorry for the slow response, I do not check this blog often. Please see www.HumanistContemplative.org for the current blog.
Jyrnell, Yes, please feel free!
Martin, I'm not sure of the exact symbolism, but I know the spiral is meant to refer to the rational order underlying all things.
Regarding my symbol. There are several element to it. It is, first and foremost, a representation of the Phi, the mathematical symbol for the golden ratio, where 'a+b' is to 'a' as 'a' is to 'b'. It is an irrational mathematical constant, approximately 1.61803398874989. Also know as the golden mean, the divine ratio etc. Biologists, artists, musicians, historians, architects, psychologists, and even mystics have pondered and debated the basis of its ubiquity and appeal. It is present in nature at a surprising level, appearing in the spirals of galaxies and of the humble nautilus shell. For me it is a constant reminder to live according to nature, and the rest of Stoic philosophy falls from that. The graph of phi in contained in the circle, which represents the universe and is superimposed by the the letter phi, which coincidentally is the first letter in the Greek word for nature, phusis.
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