Symbols of Meaning: “Memento Mori,” the Eye of Horus, and the Messages Behind “They Live”
Throughout history, humans have used symbols to communicate ideas about life, awareness, power, identity, and the choices we make. A symbol can be simple—a skull, an eye, a word—but it can carry centuries of meaning.
From ancient civilizations to modern films and art, symbols continue to challenge us to think deeper about the world around us.
At Designed by Concordia, we explore the meaning behind these symbols and the ideas they represent.
What Does “Memento Mori” Mean?
“Memento Mori” is a Latin phrase that means “remember that you must die.”
Although the phrase focuses on mortality, its message is not meant to create fear. Instead, Memento Mori is a reminder that life is limited and that our time should be used wisely.
The concept has appeared throughout history in philosophy, art, literature, and personal objects. Ancient Roman traditions, Stoic philosophy, and medieval artwork often used symbols such as:
Skulls
Hourglasses
Fading flowers
Candles
Ruins
These images served as reminders that wealth, status, and possessions are temporary. What matters most is how we use our time and what kind of life we choose to create.
Today, Memento Mori continues to inspire people who want to live more intentionally. It encourages reflection, gratitude, and awareness of the present moment.
Rather than representing death alone, Memento Mori represents a deeper message:
Because life is temporary, it has meaning.
What Is the Eye of Horus?
The Eye of Horus is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt. For thousands of years, it has represented ideas connected to protection, healing, restoration, and awareness.
According to Egyptian mythology, the symbol is associated with Horus, a powerful figure connected with kingship and protection. The Eye of Horus became a symbol of balance and restoration after the story of Horus experiencing loss and renewal.
Throughout history, the symbol has been associated with:
Protection
Wisdom
Perception
Balance
Spiritual awareness
Ancient symbols remain fascinating because they connect modern people with civilizations that explored many of the same questions we still ask today:
Who are we?
What is our purpose?
How do we understand the world around us?
The Eye of Horus represents the human desire to see beyond the surface and seek greater understanding.
The Meaning Behind “They Live”: “Consume,” “Obey,” ‘Conform,” & “Submit”
The phrase “Consume. Obey. Conform. Submit.” represents one of the most memorable symbolic messages in modern popular culture.
The words themselves are simple, but their meaning is powerful. They represent ideas about consumerism, social pressure, and the influence of messages that surround us every day.
The concept challenges people to ask:
Are we making our own choices?
Are we influenced by forces we do not recognize?
Are we simply following expectations created by others?
The word Consume represents the constant desire for more—more products, more status, more possessions.
The word Obey represents unquestioned acceptance of authority or ideas.
The word Conform represents pressure to fit into accepted patterns of behavior.
The word Submit represents surrendering personal thought and independence.
These ideas continue to resonate because modern society is surrounded by advertising, social media, trends, and constant messaging. The symbolism encourages people to become more aware of what influences their decisions.
The deeper message is not simply about rejecting society. It is about awareness.
It asks us to think critically, question assumptions, and make conscious choices.
Why Symbols Still Matter
Symbols survive because they communicate ideas that words alone sometimes cannot.
A symbol can remind us:
To value our time
To seek knowledge
To question what we accept
To remember what truly matters
Whether it is the ancient Eye of Horus, the timeless reminder of “Memento Mori,” or modern symbols that challenge consumer culture, these images continue to influence how people understand themselves and the world around them.
The objects we choose to wear, display, and surround ourselves with can become reminders of the ideas we value most.
Designed by Concordia explores these connections between art, symbolism, history, and intentional living.
