In William Shakespeare's play, 'Troilus and Cressida', Act III, Scene iii, Ulysses speaks to Achilles saying, "One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin".

The play is a tragedy that ends on a very bleak note with the death of the noble Trojan Hector and destruction of the love between Troilus and Cressida.

One commentary about this quote, suggests that Nature is defined as conformity to that which is natural, as distinguished from that which is artificial, or forced, or remote from actual experience. However, many critics argue that this conformity is a 'common failing', an uneasy love of novelty which all men share.

An additional commentary about the quote indicates that 'touch of nature' means 'natural trait'- an essential characteristic that makes us all kin. Ulysses, author of the phrase, addresses it to his fellow Greek, the Great warrior Achilles, who has recently been sitting out the Trojan War on account of wounded pride and a Trojan lover.

Achilles wonders why prominent Greeks have been giving him the cold shoulder. Ulysses, hoping to goad his compatriot back into action, delivers an unflattering lecture on human nature.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org