Since that which is according to nature is pleasant, and kindred things are natural to each other, all things akin to one and like one are pleasant to one, as a rule;–as man to man, horse to horse, youth to youth; whence the proverbs, "mate delights mate," "like to like," "a beast knows his fellow," "birds of a feather flock together," and so forth.

In this passage, Aristotle highlights a fundamental aspect of human interaction: the natural inclination to find pleasure in similarity and kinship. By observing that "birds of a feather flock together," he underscores the idea that beings tend to gravitate towards others who are like themselves. This tendency is rooted in the comfort found in familiarity and shared nature. Aristotle uses this principle to demonstrate how persuasion can be anchored in tapping into these natural affinities. By aligning arguments with the audience's innate preferences, one can more effectively appeal to their emotions and logic. This concept is not only a cornerstone of rhetorical strategy but also reflects a deep understanding of human psychology. It reveals how, often, the bonds of similarity and shared experience underlie the alliances and communities we form.