A state is just a collection of atoms in a certain configuration. Some states make up a living creature. Some others make up a dead creature. Most creatures wan

A state is just a collection of atoms in a certain configuration. Some states make up a living creature. Some others make up a dead creature. Most creatures want to avoid transitioning from an alive state to a dead state. Most of the time you would say that most creatures want to avoid dying, but because of the ideas that come next it is important to start talking in terms of states.