Final answer:
Animism is the belief that all living and non-living objects are imbued with a spiritual essence, which is foundational in many indigenous and tribal societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that all living and non-living objects are imbued with spirit is called animism. Animism is a spiritual belief that views all aspects of the natural world, including plants, animals, rocks, and even natural phenomena, as having a spiritual essence or life force. This worldview recognizes a spiritual agency in all things, reflecting a profound connection between humans and the environment they inhabit. The term was first used to describe this worldview by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, who suggested that animistic beliefs emerged from early human experiences such as dreaming and the need to understand the meaning of life.
Historically, animism has been seen as an early form of religion, a foundational aspect that connects with the human tendency to ascribe life and spirit to the world around us. This belief system has prevailed through various cultures and is particularly evident in indigenous and tribal societies. It represents an essential part of the human effort to explain and interact with the forces that appear to control the world and is evident in the reverence and conservation practices towards the surrounding environment.