“May you live in interesting times…”
According to popular belief, this phrase is an ancient Chinese curse that ironically suggests periods of difficulty, chaos, and uncertainty.
It continues with:
“… may you come to the attention of those in authority…”
and concludes with:
“… may the gods grant you everything you wish for.”
Although widely used in English and referred to as the “Chinese curse,” no authentic Chinese source for the phrase has ever been found, even though Western politicians have quoted it in their speeches for more than a century.
The most plausible link to Chinese culture seems to stem from an analysis of late 19th-century speeches by Joseph Chamberlain, likely misinterpreted and passed down through his son, Austen Chamberlain.
However, while it is apparent that the Chinese attribution is incorrect, why should this be seen as an affliction rather than a blessing?
Considering this different perspective, I find that “may you live in intriguing times” resonates more — suggesting times that are not dull, predictable, or stagnant, even though they come with the inherent risks of tumultuous change.
Meanwhile, the “interesting times” or “intriguing times” mentioned in the saying seem to have been summoned into this world, and sadly, for the worse.