I've always found the "Chinese Curses" of particular interest. Now to be fair there is no evidence that the origin of these curses are Chinese but that doesn't take anything away from them:

* May you live in interesting times.
* May you come to the attention of important people.
* May all your wishes come true.

of them all the last one was always the most interesting to me. For two reasons, first, we may not always be fully aware of what we truly want or the consequences of it. But also, if all your wishes come true, what is left to look forward to and strive for. There is no reason to life without unfulfilled desires.