An apocryphal Chinese curse: May you live in interesting times!, quoting a British diplomat:
The Chinese have lived so much in peace, they have an uncommon horror of political disorder. Better a dog in peace than a man in war, is their maxim. Their rule is that the worst are fondest of change and commotion, hoping that they will benefit. By adherence to a steady, quiet system, affairs proceed without confusion and bad men have nothing to gain.Back to InUsWeTrust