Animistic

/ˌænɪˈmɪstɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of animism; describing beliefs that attribute spiritual essence or consciousness to natural objects and living things.

Etymology

From animist + -ic suffix. Created in the late 19th century as anthropology and religious studies developed as academic fields seeking to describe non-Western spiritual systems.

Kelly Says

Many scientists studying ecology and consciousness are returning to animistic perspectives—treating ecosystems as interconnected living wholes rather than mere resources—so maybe animistic thinking was onto something!

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