Karma is not a mystical force based solely in the realms of religion and faith. It is overused as a term in that sense. Rather, it is a real physical phenomenon with its roots in the physics of this universe. Think “cause and effect”. If you push a ball down a hill it will continue until it reaches an obstacle. If you pull a cat’s tail it will probably scratch you.

Probability plays into the equation. There are surely some people that disregard caring for other life and live only to further their own fortune, and seemingly never suffer any repercussions. And there are some who never even have the opportunity to do wrong because they are born into a life so impoverished. More broadly speaking, the average human being will tend to feel the consequences of their actions. Even the richest oligarchs can suffer the most profound sadness, regret, or ultimate punitive action when their life of immortality catches up with them.

If you navigate through life trying to get one up on people at every opportunity or cheating, eventually you will build a reputation for such behaviour or be caught out in some way. If you live with integrity and kindness then, again, broadly speaking, the likelihood is that you will be recognised for this and the people that matter will elevate you.

Karma does not mean that if you cause suffering in some interaction, the universe will judge you as unjust and deal out punishment in this life or the next. But it does mean that if you behave in such a way, you will either be haunted by your own conscience, or the witnesses to those events will cast their judgment upon you. Your reputation will probably catch up with you one day.

Karma is real. So be nice to others and to your environment. It’s simple really. Whether you believe in religion, mysticism, or science: just don’t be a dick.