Animism

What It's About

Animism, or, Thought Currents of Primitive Peoples (1919) explores the idea that all aspects of the universe are imbued with life or spirit, a belief commonly associated with early religious thought and shamanistic traditions. George William Gilmore examines how this worldview develops, tracing ideas about the soul, its nature, its separability from the body, and its continued existence after death. The book moves through themes such as “free spirits,” the parity between human and non-human existence, and early interpretations of death, the afterlife, and spiritual realms.

Key Concepts

Central ideas include the belief in a soul distinct from the body, the notion of spirits existing independently in the world, and the concept that humans, animals, and natural forces share a common spiritual essence. Gilmore also discusses how these beliefs shape early understandings of death, worship, and the persistence of the soul, as well as how animistic thought continues to influence later cultural and religious developments.

Why It Matters

The book offers insight into how early societies interpreted life, consciousness, and the natural world, providing a foundation for understanding the origins of religious and spiritual systems. It also reflects early 20th-century perspectives on anthropology and comparative religion, making it useful both as a study of animistic belief and as a historical document of scholarly thought from its time.

About the Author

George William Gilmore was an American scholar of religion and anthropology. His work focused on the study of early belief systems and their development, particularly in relation to the concept of the soul and spiritual life. Writing in the early 20th century, he approached animism as a key stage in the evolution of human religious thought.