Words convey meaning. That is their primary function. And each word in each language's lexicon has one or more meanings assigned to it. If there is no meaning, then it is no word. References are meanings too.^[1] And while the fluidity of language cannot be avoided, there are some arguments about changes to common words I feel should be avoided.

Take the word animal for instance. A lot of people are arguing that humans themselves are animals, but 'animal' is often used as an insult to suggest that humans aren't truly animals. And by definition, would this not make sense? Is it not practical to have a word that refers to all those creatures that are not us but not plants or other biological creatures? If humans are animals, then surely we cannot not be animals at the same time?

But this brings me to the word natural. Some people argue that since humans are basically natural (because of evolution), then surely whatever humans do is natural, right? But if we follow that logic, then everything is natural. Then what's the point of the word natural if it has no opposites? We already have the word 'everything' for everything, do we need another?

I am not saying that everything humans do is unnatural, but anything that isn't basic instincts isn't truly natural, even if useful. For instance, eating is natural, but preparing food (cooking, baking, frying, etc.) is unnatural. When else does it occur when conscience ensures we intends to prepare food? A lot of food can be eaten without preparation, so there is certainly ways to eat food naturally.

This is also why I find vegan food unnatural, because it requires certain conscience suggestions, and is actually quite a modern concept. But don't misinterpret what I am saying, people tend to think of 'unnatural' as a negatively loaded word, which is why they prefer to think of themselves behaving natural. But rather than changing the meaning of the word, how about changing your perception of the word? I don't think unnatural behaviour is bad, it is what separate us from the animals!

1. To the slow, I am referring to proper nouns.