Meaning & Explanation
The proverb “Birds of a feather flock together” suggests that people with similar interests, characteristics or backgrounds tend to associate with each other. This timeless observation about human behavior dates back to the 16th century.
Hindi Equivalent:
“एक जैसे लोग साथ रहते हैं”
Literal Meaning: “Similar people stay together”
Detailed Explanation
This idiom highlights:
- Natural Affinity: Humans instinctively gravitate toward like-minded individuals
- Social Dynamics: Shared traits create stronger social bonds
- Behavioral Patterns: We unconsciously seek familiarity in relationships
The phrase appears in:
- Plato’s writings (4th century BCE)
- William Turner’s 1545 work “The Rescuing of Romish Fox”
- Modern psychological studies on homophily (love of the same)
Real-Life Examples
- School Friendships
- English: “The science club members always sit together – birds of a feather flock together.”
- Hindi: “साइंस क्लब के सदस्य हमेशा साथ बैठते हैं – एक जैसे लोग साथ रहते हैं।”
- Professional Circles
- English: “Tech entrepreneurs naturally network with each other – truly birds of a feather.”
- Hindi: “टेक उद्यमी स्वाभाविक रूप से एक-दूसरे से जुड़ते हैं – वास्तव में एक जैसे लोग।”
- Social Media
- English: “Political groups on Twitter show how birds of a feather flock together.”
- Hindi: “ट्विटर पर राजनीतिक समूह दिखाते हैं कि कैसे एक जैसे लोग साथ रहते हैं।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why this phenomenon occurs:
✓ Comfort Zone: Familiarity reduces social anxiety
✓ Validation: Similar others reinforce our beliefs
✓ Efficiency: Shared understanding enables smoother communication
Potential Limitations:
✗ Can create echo chambers
✗ May limit exposure to diverse perspectives
✗ Could reinforce negative behaviors in groups
Usage Tips
Use when explaining group formations
Effective in discussions about social psychology
Helps describe both positive and negative associations
Similar Expressions
English | Hindi |
---|---|
“Like attracts like” | “जैसा देश वैसा भेष” |
“Great minds think alike” | “महान दिमाग एक जैसे सोचते हैं” |
“A man is known by the company he keeps” | “जैसी संगत वैसा रंग” |
Cultural Perspectives
Global variations of this concept:
- Arabic: “الطيور على أشكالها تقع” (Birds fall according to their shapes)
- Chinese: “物以类聚,人以群分” (Things gather by kind, people group by similarity)
- Russian: “Рыбак рыбака видит издалека” (A fisherman spots another fisherman from afar)
Reflection Questions:
- Have you noticed this pattern in your own friend groups?
- How can we balance this natural tendency with exposure to diverse viewpoints?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of surrounding ourselves with similar people?