In accordance with aspects and embodiments, an improved similarity based learning machine and methods of similarity based machine learning are provided. More specifically, the learning machines and machine learning methods of the present disclosure advantageously define subjects by attributes, assign a first similarity score to each of the subjects, from the first similarity score, calculate attribute scaling factors, and use the attribute scaling factors to generate an improved similarity score. In accordance with aspects and embodiments, the improved similarity scores may be used to improve machine learning.