Lv Meng (lǚ méng 呂蒙) was a general of Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period (sān guó 三國時代,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."
三國時期(220-280),吳國有一個叫呂蒙的將軍。呂蒙出生在窮苦人家,小時候沒有機會上學。長大后他參了軍,看書的時間更少了。一次,吳國的皇帝召見呂蒙,對他說:"現(xiàn)在你是大將軍了,應該多看看書開闊眼界。"呂蒙回答道:"軍中的事務這么忙,我恐怕沒有時間讀書。"吳國的皇帝說:"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)驗之談,你會有更大的進步。"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)呂蒙變得很有學問。曾經(jīng)非常輕視呂蒙的魯肅說:"我以為你只會打仗,沒想到你這么博學。你已經(jīng)不是過去的那個呂蒙了!"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.