fortune
random quotation and fortune display
TLDR
Display random fortune
$ fortune
Show short fortunes$ fortune -s
Show offensive fortunes$ fortune -o
Use specific database$ fortune [literature]
Show fortune source$ fortune -c
SYNOPSIS
fortune [options] [databases...]
DESCRIPTION
fortune displays a random quotation, joke, or saying from its database files. It's the classic Unix program for adding whimsy to terminals and login sessions.Multiple fortune databases cover categories like literature, riddles, definitions, and jokes. Custom database files can be created with the strfile utility.fortune is commonly added to shell startup files for daily motivation or amusement.
PARAMETERS
DATABASES
Fortune cookie files to use.-s
Short fortunes only (< 160 chars).-l
Long fortunes only.-c
Show the fortune file source.-o
Include offensive fortunes.-a
Include all fortune files.-f
List available fortune files.-m PATTERN
Match pattern in fortunes.--help
Display help information.
INSTALL
sudo apk add fortune
sudo zypper install fortune
brew install fortune
nix profile install nixpkgs#fortune
CAVEATS
Offensive fortunes disabled by default. Database availability varies by installation. Some content may be dated.
HISTORY
fortune originated in Unix Version 7 (1979), inspired by fortune cookies. It became a standard part of Unix systems, providing entertainment and occasionally wisdom at the command line.