The phrase “may you live in interesting times” is the lowest in a trilogy of Chinese curses that continue “may you come to the attention of those in authority” and finish with “may the gods give you everything you ask for.” I have no idea about its authenticity.
It’s been around a while; as evidenced by the Wikipedia article the other commenter provided, at least since 1936, with unsubstantiated claims of it being an older Chinese saying / curse.
I’ve pretty much only heard it from Pratchett books or fellow Pratchett fans, though.
Reminded me of Terry Pratchett, personally.
Yeah, the Star Trek claim doesn’t sit well with me. Rightly so it turns out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_you_live_in_interesting_times
But Terry Pratchett made it a trilogy:
Interesting, I thought it was something the Voyager writes made up
It’s been around a while; as evidenced by the Wikipedia article the other commenter provided, at least since 1936, with unsubstantiated claims of it being an older Chinese saying / curse.
I’ve pretty much only heard it from Pratchett books or fellow Pratchett fans, though.