<P> "May you live in interesting times" is an English expression purported to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse . While seemingly a blessing, the expression is always used ironically, with the clear implication that' uninteresting times', of peace and tranquillity, are more life - enhancing than interesting ones, which from historical perspective usually include disorder and conflict . </P> <P> Despite being so common in English as to be known as the "Chinese curse", the saying is apocryphal, and no actual Chinese source has ever been produced . The most likely connection to Chinese culture may be deduced from analysis of the late - 19th century speeches of Joseph Chamberlain, probably erroneously transmitted and revised through his son Austen Chamberlain . </P>

Who said its better to be lucky than good