The word “animal” is often used as a pejorative. “You’re an animal,” or “You’re a beast,” are phrases commonly thrown around as insults. But is it truly something to be ashamed of? Should being called an animal be considered a put-down?
In reality, we are animals. Our evolutionary history places us firmly within the animal kingdom, (unless you believe a different origin story). Specifically, we are mammals—part of a group distinguished by a unique characteristic: the care we provide to our offspring. Mammals nurture their young, whether they are children, cubs, or kittens.
This level of care sets us apart from many other groups in the animal kingdom. Birds also show significant parental concern, carefully tending to their eggs and fledglings. Reptiles, on the other hand, are more mixed in their approach. Some species invest in their offspring, but many simply lay eggs and leave them to fend for themselves. For fish and most insects, the story is even starker—eggs are laid, and survival is entirely up to chance.
Another shared trait among animals is emotion. Nearly every species with a brain experiences emotions in some form. Whether it’s fear, joy, or love, emotions play a crucial role in survival and social bonding. But where animals differ from humans is in morality. In the wild, the “law of the jungle” prevails: if something can be done, it often is. Survival instincts trump any consideration of ethics.
Humans, however, are different. Our intelligence sets us apart. It is our cognitive abilities that allow us to create and enforce rules. This intelligence has fueled our success as a species, enabling us to grow to a population of over 8 billion. That success comes with its own challenges, but they are far better problems to have than those of extinction or failure. Our ability to think, reason, and innovate places us leagues ahead of other species in terms of complexity and achievement.
Still, we should not forget our roots. The emotions we cherish—love, joy, and even grief—are part of our shared heritage with the animal kingdom. We love our children just as other animals love theirs. We feel because we are animals.
And being an animal? That’s not an insult. It’s a testament to our place in nature. Embracing this identity reminds us of the strength, adaptability, and emotional depth that define not only humanity but the entire animal kingdom. Being an animal is, indeed, a good thing.
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