TODO
All self-replicating structures are primarily focused on self-replication. This is because every action requires energy, which is a finite resource. Any action that does not increase the structure's fitness 1) therefore is *decreasing* the structure's fitness. Organisms with decreased fitness are then bred out.
Speaking more specifically, all organisms are constantly working on creating more copies of themselves. How does the organism “know” how to do this? Evolution has made several approaches, which I will categorize into two categories. The first category of organisms are organisms that don't know anything. Instead, the physical structure of the organism lends itself to reproduction. Plants and Fungi fall into this category. The other category contains organisms that are programed with several “switches” that either punish or reward certain actions or events. Rewards are doled out for actions that move the organism closer to reproducing, and punishments for actions that move it further away. All animals fall into this category, and the switches are inside the animal's brain.
The most switches that correlate most strongly with survival and reproduction are deeper in the brains of humans, and stronger. Despite this, we are also rational creatures, so we can balance short term impulses for long term payoff. This is how communities function - they are excellent at facilitating survival and reproduction, so it is in the best interest of members of the community to work together.
However, in order for society to function this way, there must be a promise of a payout. Everyone has to have some idea of what they are going to get out of it