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物以类聚 (wu4 yi2 lei4 ju4) Birds of a feather ...
December 6, 2009, Sunday
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BIRDS of a feather flock together" is a popular phrase in English to describe how people of similar minds tend to get together.
In the Chinese language, there is a comparable expression, "wu4 yi2 lei4 ju4" or "things of a kind come together." This phrase was created by a well-known Chinese scholar more than 2,000 years ago.
During the Warring States Period (476-221 BC), Chun Yukun of the Qi State enjoyed a high reputation for being an eloquent academician. He often commented about state affairs in his lectures and speeches.
King Xuan of the State of Qi loved to be surrounded by talented people and famed scholars.
One day, the king asked Chun whether he could find more talent around the state for the imperial court. Chun said that would be easy.
Next morning, the scholar brought seven "wise and able" persons to see the king. The monarch was very happy, but he wondered how could Chun find so many gifted people in such a short time.
Therefore, he asked the scholar: "I was told that one would be lucky to find one wise and able person for every 1,000 square kilometers or find one sage every 100 years. So, I'm surprised you could find seven persons of virtue for me in such a short time."
The scholar answered: "Your Majesty, it is true that it takes aeons to find dry crops in a wet and low-lying field, while you can find plenty of them on a plateau.
"Birds of the same type often fly together and animals of the same sort often are seen roaming collectively. This means that things of a kind come together.
"Your Majesty came to me to seek talented people of my kind, so it is as easy as fetching water from a big river. Actually, I could bring more to see you in coming days."
Since then the scholar's illustration, "wu4 yi2 lei4 ju4" has found its way into the Chinese language as a popular idiom.
In modern usage, it also appears in another well-liked Chinese saying: "Things of a kind come together, but people are divided into different groups."
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