Lv Meng (lǚ méng 呂蒙) was a general of Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period (sān guó 三國(guó)時(shí)代,220-280AD). He was born in such a poor family that he did not get any chance to go to the school when he was a child. However, there was still less time for reading when he served in the army after he grew up. Once the king of Wu summoned Lv Meng and said to him, "Since you are now a general in power, you had better read some books to widen your horizon."Lv Meng answered, "I am sobusy with military affairs that I am afraid I have little time to read."The King said, "Are you busier than I am? Even I often find time to read books on the art of war and gain much benefit from them. To read more about the experience left by our ancestors will make you progress."Lv Meng then did according what the king said. He concentrated himself on reading history and military writings. On day, Military Governor Lu Su visited Lv Meng and was surprised to find that Lv Meng had become very knowledgeable. Lu Su, who held Lv Meng in contempt earlier, said, "I did not expect that you would know so much besides fighting! You are not the one you used to be!"Lv Meng replied, "You should look at a person with a new eye even only after a three days' separation."
三國(guó)時(shí)期(220-280),吳國(guó)有一個(gè)叫呂蒙的將軍。呂蒙出生在窮苦人家,小時(shí)候沒有機(jī)會(huì)上學(xué)。長(zhǎng)大后他參了軍,看書的時(shí)間更少了。一次,吳國(guó)的皇帝召見呂蒙,對(duì)他說:"現(xiàn)在你是大將軍了,應(yīng)該多看看書開闊眼界。"呂蒙回答道:"軍中的事務(wù)這么忙,我恐怕沒有時(shí)間讀書。"吳國(guó)的皇帝說:"你難道比我還忙嗎?我常常抽空閱讀兵書,從中得到了不少好處。多看看前人的經(jīng)驗(yàn)之談,你會(huì)有更大的進(jìn)步。"呂蒙接受了皇帝的建議,從此開始專心閱讀,看了很多歷史和軍事書籍。一天,主帥魯肅來拜訪呂蒙,驚訝地發(fā)現(xiàn)呂蒙變得很有學(xué)問。曾經(jīng)非常輕視呂蒙的魯肅說:"我以為你只會(huì)打仗,沒想到你這么博學(xué)。你已經(jīng)不是過去的那個(gè)呂蒙了!"呂蒙回答道:"即使你和別人只分開了三天,三天后再遇到他時(shí)也不能用三天前的老眼光來看待他。"
刮目相看 【翻譯】Look at someone with a new eye-Treat someone with increased respect.