Final answer:
Animism is the tendency to attribute life to objects that are not alive, and it is a concept often associated with indigenous spiritual beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency to attribute life to objects that are not alive is known as animism. This concept is often related to religious beliefs where non-human entities such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects are believed to possess a spiritual essence. Animism is a foundational element of many indigenous spiritual systems, and it's also seen in the way some people may talk to or name their cars, boats, or other possessions, imbuing them with characteristics typically associated with living beings.