The Designed by Concordia Reading Library: Books, Ideas, and Resources Behind Our Themes
Exploring the Ideas Behind the Objects
Every meaningful object begins with an idea.
A symbol, a phrase, or a design often represents something deeper: a philosophy, a historical tradition, a question, or a way of seeing the world.
Designed by Concordia was created around the belief that products can be more than objects. They can represent curiosity, creativity, reflection, and personal expression.
The following reading resources explore many of the themes behind our collections:
Memento Mori
Stoicism
Symbolism
Ancient History
Independent Thought
Creativity
Minimalism
Philosophy
Human Behavior
These books and resources are not about telling people what to think.
They are invitations to explore ideas.
Memento Mori: Remembering Time and Living Intentionally
The philosophy of Memento Mori encourages people to reflect on the temporary nature of life.
The purpose is not to focus on fear.
It is to develop awareness.
Remembering that time is limited can encourage gratitude, discipline, and intentional living.
Recommended Reading
Meditations — Marcus Aurelius
A collection of personal reflections from the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius.
Themes:
Self-discipline
Perspective
Duty
Mortality
Living according to reason
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditations_(Marcus_Aurelius)
Letters from a Stoic — Seneca
Seneca explores questions about time, happiness, wealth, and how to live a meaningful life.
Themes:
Time management
Wisdom
Personal responsibility
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistulae_Morales_ad_Lucilium
Memento Mori — Background and History
Explore the history behind the ancient reminder that life is temporary.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memento_mori
Stoicism: Philosophy for Modern Life
Stoicism has experienced renewed interest because many people are searching for ways to develop resilience and focus in a distracted world.
Core ideas include:
Focus on what you can control
Develop wisdom
Practice self-discipline
Accept what cannot be changed
Recommended Reading
The Enchiridion — Epictetus
A short introduction to Stoic principles.
Themes:
Self-control
Responsibility
Inner strength
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchiridion_of_Epictetus
A Guide to the Good Life — William B. Irvine
A modern exploration of Stoic philosophy and its practical applications.
Symbols: Understanding Humanity's Visual Language
Humans have used symbols for thousands of years to communicate ideas.
Symbols preserve:
History
Beliefs
Stories
Identity
A symbol can communicate an idea without requiring words.
Recommended Reading
Man and His Symbols — Carl Jung
A study of symbols, dreams, and the human unconscious.
Themes:
Psychology
Archetypes
Symbolic meaning
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_and_His_Symbols
The Power of Myth — Joseph Campbell
Explores mythology, storytelling, and recurring human themes across cultures.
Themes:
Heroic journeys
Human experience
Universal stories
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_Myth
Ancient Egypt and the Meaning of Symbols
Ancient Egyptian civilization created some of history's most recognizable symbols.
The Eye of Horus, pyramids, hieroglyphs, and other designs continue to fascinate people because they represent questions about:
Life
Death
Protection
Knowledge
The universe
Recommended Resources
Egyptian Mythology
Learn about the gods, symbols, and stories of ancient Egypt:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_mythology
Eye of Horus
Explore the history and symbolism of one of Egypt's most famous symbols:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_Horus
Independent Thought and Critical Thinking
Designed by Concordia explores the importance of curiosity and questioning.
Independent thought does not mean rejecting everything.
It means examining ideas carefully.
It means asking:
Why do I believe this?
How do I know this?
What evidence supports this idea?
Recommended Reading
The Demon-Haunted World — Carl Sagan
A discussion about skepticism, science, and critical thinking.
Themes:
Reason
Evidence
Curiosity
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Demon-Haunted_World
Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman
Explores how humans make decisions and how our minds process information.
Themes:
Psychology
Decision-making
Human behavior
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow
Creativity: Why Humans Create
Creativity is one of humanity's defining qualities.
People create:
Art
Music
Technology
Architecture
Stories
New ideas
Creativity allows humans to imagine possibilities that do not yet exist.
Recommended Reading
The Creative Act: A Way of Being — Rick Rubin
Explores creativity as a mindset rather than simply a skill.
Themes:
Inspiration
Observation
Artistic expression
Creativity, Inc. — Ed Catmull
A look at creativity, leadership, and building creative environments.
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creativity,_Inc.
Minimalism: Choosing What Matters
Minimalism is not simply owning fewer things.
At its core, minimalism asks:
What is truly valuable?
What deserves our attention?
What should we remove so that important things become clearer?
Recommended Reading
Essentialism — Greg McKeown
Explores focusing energy on what matters most.
Themes:
Priorities
Focus
Intentional living
Minimalism
Explore the history of minimalism as an artistic and cultural movement:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimalism
The Philosophy of Everyday Objects
Objects surround us every day.
But sometimes the most ordinary things carry extraordinary meaning.
A watch represents time.
A photograph represents memory.
A coin represents history.
A symbol represents an idea.
The objects we choose often reflect what we value.
Recommended themes to explore:
Material culture
Design philosophy
Symbolism
Personal identity
Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Material_culture
Continue Exploring Designed by Concordia
Explore the ideas behind our collections:
Memento Mori Collection
https://www.concordia.style/shop
Eye of Horus Collection
https://www.concordia.style/shop/p/eye-of-horus-oval-necklace-egyptian-symbol-pendant-jewelry
THINK Collection
https://www.concordia.style/shop/p/think-minimalist-boxy-tee-graphic-think-oversized-tshirt
OBEY Collection
https://www.concordia.style/shop/p/unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee-obey
DO NOT OBEY Collection
https://www.concordia.style/shop/p/unisex-oversized-organic-t-shirt
Final Thought
The most valuable ideas are rarely new.
They are ideas humanity has explored for centuries:
How should we live?
What matters?
What should we question?
What should we remember?
What should we create?
Designed by Concordia exists at the intersection of these questions.
Because the objects we choose are not only things we own.
They are reminders of the ideas we carry with us.
Products inspired by ideas.
Objects that start conversations.
