Natural and Invented

Since any existing thing, whether natural or invented, must apparently obey the fundamental laws of physics, the difference between the two must be determined not through actual  function, but through some other measure, such as whether the item in question came to exist through  accident or intent. 

For the purposes of the Language of Metaphors, these are considered mere matters of perspective, thus are afforded the value of "equal". No doubt it was the nature of a leech to suck nutritious blood, for example, before it became an invention for the removal of  bad blood by ancient doctors. A true antithesis, it could be said, is an equal, opposed along the measure in question. Without a direct historical record, judging whether a given event was accidental or intentional is arguably impossible; this is as true with natural and invented objects. Metaphors can apply a valuation based on the accepted contemporary public (or target demographic) sentiments. Today we value "natural" and "biodegradable" - thus sales of green packaging ink have surely risen in concert. Fifty years ago, however, the sharp angles, perfect painted finishes and frequent use of the theme "modern" denoted a sense of "invented = hip".

One is free to set the tone of ones metaphors to suit their needs, providing, for example, a sense that a "higher power created us", or a contrasting sense of  fallibility with "human nature". When perspective is built into a metaphor, it can shape both the body of the message, and the values attached to it. An entertaining test of this is to look at the names of  cars and motorcycles invented in each decade and compare them with the culture surrounding them: animals may have made good metaphors during one era, where weapons or adventurism may appeal at other times.

An intention is a planned accident:   "If all goes according to plan."

An accident is an unplanned plan:    "The best-laid schemes  o' mice  an 'men Gang aft agley...!"

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