I’ve been thinking about energy, entropy and karma of late. Let me explain…

The 1st Law of Thermodynamics is called the Law of Conservation of Energy. It states that energy can be converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created nor destroyed, under any circumstances. A simple example is dropping a pen from your hand. In your hand, it has Potential Energy (potential to do work), when you drop it, that PE converts to Kinetic Energy (energy of motion). The moment it hits the ground, KE converts to Sound Energy and Thermal Energy (the ground heats up at impact due to vibrations at the molecular level). And it goes on. The key here is that whatever energy exists on Earth, it is the same energy that has been recycled for millions of years.

The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics describes that the state of entropy of the entire universe, as an isolated system, will always increase over time. Entropy is a measure of the disorder of a system. So, any system will end up more disorderly. A simple example is your bedroom – think about when it is tidy and how it eventually gets untidy. It moves from a state of order to disorder or randomness. As a result, isolated systems evolve toward thermodynamic equilibrium, where the entropy is highest.

The planet is constantly trying to find equilibrium. When I think of equilibrium, I always think of two things:

1. The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat other people with the concern and kindness you would like them to show toward you.
2. Karma: In Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies, karma denotes the cycle of cause and effect. Like causes produce similar effects. For instance, right actions produce good results while wrong actions produce bad ones.

To me, these “social laws” tie directly to the Laws of Thermodynamics. Science is everywhere! Listening to the radio the other day, I came across Taylor Swift’s song “Karma”. Although I am by no means a Swiftie, the lyrics resonated with me:

You’re talking shit for the hell of it
Addicted to betrayal, but you’re relevant
You’re terrified to look down
‘Cause if you dare, you’ll see the glare
Of everyone you burned just to get there
It’s coming back around

Ask me what I learned from all those years
Ask me what I earned from all those tears
Ask me why so many fade, but I’m still here

‘Cause karma is the thunder
Rattling your ground
Karma’s on your scent like a bounty hunter
Karma’s gonna track you down
Step by step from town to town
Sweet like justice, karma is a queen

Do you believe in science?

Do you believe in karma?