Like attracts like; similar things or people gravitate towards each other. Often implies that people of similar character, especially negative ones, associate with each other.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, King Xuan of Qi asked the eloquent debater Chunyu Kun to recommend wise and virtuous individuals.
To the king's surprise, Chunyu Kun recommended seven such people in just one day.
The king, astonished, questioned whether Chunyu Kun was simply making up the numbers.
Chunyu Kun replied, "Birds associate with birds, and beasts with beasts. Just as one can only find the herb Bupleurum (chaihu) on mountains, things naturally group by their kind. I frequently interact with virtuous people, which is why I am able to recommend so many to you."