animism is different from other similar beliefs. however, it is often confused with other similar beliefs. first, animism is not hylozoism. hylozoism claims that the entire universe is alive and has an animating power like a spirit. animism does not claim that the universe is alive. animism does not believe all things are alive. second, animism is not panpsychism. panpsychism claims that all things have a mind and that mentality is the reason why the universe can exist. animism claims that only some things have a mind. animism does not believe that things must have a mind in order to exist. third, animism is not vitalism. vitalism claims that things which are alive cannot be explained without a spiritual as well as physical reason. animism does not always believe that everything alive has a spirit. animism also sometimes believes that non-living things have spirits.