Chapter 3. Animism, Magic and the Omnipotence of Thoughts of Totem and Taboo - Study Guide by Sigmund Freud

Freud then looks at the psychoanalytic view of such systems of thought of which animism is proposed to be the first. From looking at his ideas on dreams, Freud arrives at his analysis of systems as being characterized by having at least two reasons for each of its products - one based upon the premises and a concealed reason - which is the true and operative one.

On returning to the animistic system Freud proposes that 'superstition' need not be the only or real reason for some custom, but rather hidden motives should be searched for. Thus on comparing savage life with civilized life, Freud recognizes that the differences are not as stark as they initially appear.