Animism

A word derived from the Latin anima meaning “breath” or “soul.” The term is most often applied to the belief in the reality of the soul, but may also be applied to the belief that all things are intrinsically alive and possess soul. It was probably first used in the latter sense by Edward Taylor in his book Primitive Culture. Helena P. BLAVATSKY disagreed with Taylor in his use of the word, preferring “Animalism” (CW XII:351 fn).

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