Karma — the idea that what goes around comes around — is comforting for some people, but some people don’t really think it exists.
Those who don’t believe in karma often have their own unique take on how the world works and what drives fairness (or the lack of it). While they probably have their reasons for refusing to believe that the universe has a way of evening the playing field in the end, here are a few possible explanations for why they feel that way.
1. They’re big on logic and facts.
If someone doesn’t believe in karma, they probably like things to be straightforward and evidence-based. They don’t see much proof of a mystical force balancing the scales of life, so they stick to what they can observe. For them, actions have consequences, but those consequences don’t need a cosmic explanation.
2. They think life is a bit of a free-for-all.
To them, life is random, and things don’t always happen for a reason. They see good people struggling and not-so-great people thriving, and that’s enough to convince them there’s no universal referee keeping things fair. Instead of waiting for life to even things out, they just roll with the chaos.
3. They own their choices—good and bad.
People who don’t believe in karma often take full responsibility for their actions. They’re not banking on the universe to reward or punish them, so they’re focused on the here and now. If something goes wrong, they don’t blame bad karma; they look for ways to fix it themselves.
4. They don’t wait for revenge.
If someone wrongs them, they’re not sitting back thinking, “Karma will handle it.” They’re either letting it go or addressing it directly, depending on their personality. Holding grudges isn’t their style—they’d rather move on than wait for the universe to settle the score.
5. They see fairness as a human concept.
Fairness, in their opinion, isn’t some cosmic rule—it’s just something people try to create (and often fail at). They’re not expecting life to be fair, which makes them surprisingly adaptable. When things don’t go their way, they don’t feel cheated—they just chalk it up to how life works.
6. They believe hard work trumps luck.
People who dismiss karma are all about making things happen through effort, not waiting for destiny to intervene. They believe the results you get are directly tied to the effort you put in (plus a little luck, maybe). If they want something, they’re chasing it—not hoping the universe drops it in their lap.
7. They question everything.
Not believing in karma often comes from a tendency to question ideas that don’t have clear evidence. They’re the type to say, “Prove it,” when someone claims that “what goes around comes around.” Their scepticism doesn’t mean they’re cynical—they just prefer solid answers over wishful thinking.
8. They’re more about action than waiting.
If they want a certain outcome, they don’t wait for karma to line it up for them—they go after it. They’re the type to take control of situations and look for real solutions. Sitting back and hoping for the universe to “fix things” just isn’t their style.
9. They know bad things happen to good people.
People who don’t believe in karma are keenly aware that life isn’t always fair. They’ve seen good people go through tough times and questionable characters walk away unscathed. For them, this is just how the world works — it’s not fair, and it never promised to be.
10. They don’t worry about “cosmic payback.”
Since they don’t believe karma will punish them for bad behaviour, they’re guided by their own ethics instead. It’s not about avoiding bad luck; it’s about doing what they feel is right. That said, it doesn’t mean they’re reckless — they just don’t fear some universal smackdown.
11. They rely on accountability, not fate.
When they see something wrong, they’re more likely to push for accountability through people and systems rather than leaving it to karma. They’re the ones filing complaints, starting conversations, or standing up for change. In their eyes, justice is a human responsibility, not the universe’s job.
12. They believe kindness is its own reward.
People who don’t believe in karma often do good things simply because it feels right—not because they think it’ll come back to them later. They find joy and fulfilment in helping people without expecting cosmic brownie points. It’s kindness for its own sake, plain and simple.
13. They focus on what they can control.
Instead of hoping for the universe to balance things out, they focus on what’s within their power. If they want something to change, they’re taking steps to make it happen. This way of thinking can be empowering, as it shifts their focus from “why me?” to “what can I do about it?”
14. They believe life is what you make it.
At the core, people who don’t believe in karma see life as a blank canvas. There’s no mystical force guiding the brush—you’re the artist. This belief drives them to take charge, create their own opportunities, and accept life’s ups and downs without waiting for cosmic balance.
