Interesting Times

[liveonearth]

May you live in Interesting Times.

It is reported that this was the first of three ancient Chinese curses of increasing severity,
the other two being:
May you come to the attention of those in authority.
May you find what you are looking for.

Comments

[liveonearth.livejournal.com]

I get it, how language influences thinking. I also understand that there is a gigantic gulf between the western/Euro and Chinese/east Asian worldviews and values. I personally have never really bridged it; their ways are mysterious to me, and I am mindful to respond to the uncertainty with curiosity instead of defensiveness. If you ever get a chance to run this by any of your Chinese friends, I'd be very interested in their take---and the words they use to explain it!