From these and similar observations, it is clear that life should be understood in terms of the functions that explain its existence—and not viewed fundamentally as a random series of accidents, meteorites, and goose bumps. Organisms exist because they successfully perform the functions required for their existence. Their organs and other parts exist primarily because they serve certain functions for the whole organism. The things and institutions created by people exist primarily because they serve, with varying degrees of success, the life functions of humans. Using the terms end and means in a purely metaphysical, non-volitional sense, we can summarize the natures of these functional entities:

1. An organism is an end in itself—that is, a means to its own life.

2. Each part of an organism is a means to the life of the whole organism.

3. A thing created by an organism (disregarding the special case of waste products) is a means toward the life of the organism.