Lv Meng (lǚ méng 吕蒙) was a general of Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period (sān guó 三国时代,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."
刮目相看 (guā mù xiāng kàn)
【翻译】Look at someone with a new eye-Treat someone with increased respect.
【释义】指别人已有进步,不能再用老眼光去看他。
【例句】现在的你和以前的你思想变化真大,真是令我刮目相看啊。
【近义词】另眼相看、另眼看待
【反义词】视同一律