What is thinking?

Webster’s dictionary gives a good definition: 1. to use the mind for arriving at conclusions, making decisions, drawing inferences, etc.; reflect; reason (& I add ---mentally create). 

Thinking is the very essence of our humanity.  Each sentinent being possesses at its' core some concept of self.  This awareness and genetics then guides our existence.  As humans we have a very well developed sense of self and are also acuately aware of 'other than self'.  This acute awareness triggers something in us to search for order and patterns to name this 'other than self'.  So perhaps at its basest thinking is just seeking order.  What do you think?