Oh, Revolutionary_Jack wrong as usual. It is loosely based on this popular traditional Chinese saying. The translation (to live in interesting times) is rather clunky but the essence of the saying or prayer/curse is that tranquility is superior to chaos or an uninteresting time is better than an interesting one. -
"Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos."
Anyhow, it has been fun but if I stay here much longer my temper might get the best of me and I'll be banned.