A working definition of a DAO...

A DAO is a viable system that autonomously manages and adapts its operations through smart contracts on a blockchain, enabling it to achieve its goals and sustain itself in a dynamic environment without centralized control.

a jiraffe on the internet • nf.td/morereese

"Autonomously achieve" means accomplishing goals independently through automated processes and decentralized decision-making without the need for centralized control or direct human intervention.

A DAO's purpose, in terms of viability, is to autonomously achieve and sustain its organizational goals by leveraging decentralized decision-making and smart contracts, ensuring adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment.