Understanding Natural Laws: The Order of the Universe

There’s order in the universe; events don’t occur randomly—they follow laws. We shouldn’t confuse the order of laws with purposeful action by projecting human qualities of planning and intention on the universe. Natural laws (order) govern the functions of the universe. The laws apply to life in the universe. Laws create predictability. Acting within the laws grants an associated blessing. Unfortunately, living isn’t always predictable even though life is governed by laws.

We can’t boil down every action to a corresponding reaction. Life is too complex. Several laws come into play, overlapping and creating trade-offs, priorities and limitations. Our action may honor one law while defying a second involved law. We also must include the impact of others obeying and defying laws. Their actions collide with our lives, impacting outcomes, changing trajectories and introducing new variables.

Key Definition:

Natural Laws in psychology refer to the natural consequences of behaviors and environments. These laws remain in effect whether we understand them or not.

Complexity blurs simple cause and effect predictions because millions of laws are in effect simultaneously; while we attend to behavior to incur the blessing of a specific law, other laws of order may interfere. We may proclaim unfairness; but the outcome honors the order of the universe. Even though, we may eat healthy and exercise but still suffer from heart disease. However, we don’t live in chaos— by living according to the ordered and natural laws of life, we often reap the blessing. Healthy choices untainted by more powerful unknowns invite the healthy consequences.

See Life is a Complex Problem for more on this topic

Natural Laws and Consequences

We can’t hide from the natural consequences of behavior. We may dodge immediate repercussions but our avoidance compounds the impact. Eventually, wrong behaviors reap hurtful rewards. The more they compound, the heavier the impact.

If I lie to my partner, I may not be caught. I keep secret the small element I feared to reveal. However, my simple lie motivates more protective lies. The relationship begins to build on falsehoods. Eventually the web of lies is revealed and the relationship collapses in a heap of untruths. The natural consequences of lying (disconnection) playout.

Neurosis and Natural Laws

Karen Horney (1885-1952), developer of the theory of neurotic needs, suggested that in neurosis the subjects magically believe that they are immune from the natural laws. She wrote that they fail to recognize natural causes and effects apply to themselves. Recognition and acceptance of these laws “would actually pull them down from their lofty world into actuality, where they would be subject to the same natural laws as anybody else” (Horney, 1950).

These faulty expectations, full of magical thinking and departure from reality, slowly drag the individual down, preventing growth and normal interactions with others and reality.

See Neurosis and Unrealistic Expectations for more on these topics.

Taking a Wider Perspective

We need a wider perspective to escape the interference of unknowns. Evaluating a single behaviors by an obvious consequences can be misleading. Blessings of living right descend not from single choices but bundles of choices, working together to change current life trajectories. Not every choice is immediately rewarded—good or bad. The natural laws of life playout on a much wider screen.

We can’t eat the Danish pastry instead of the apple and expect improved health. But a pattern of healthy eating—overtime—provides necessary nutrients feeding the mind and body; creating healthier functioning and shedding of unneeded fat. The same holds true for relationships, finances, and career enhancement. We act according to groupings of natural laws and the natural order of the universe responds. We refer to our ability to calculate our behaviors, along with the corresponding consequences, using the natural laws as episodic foresight. Basically, we can configure these elements into a glorious new constellation in the future, using the foresight to direct behaviors.

​See Behavior and Consequences for more on this topic

Examining Our Life

The path to a fulfilling life often requires a critical self-reflection. If we find ourselves consistently encountering obstacles or experiencing less success than desired in key areas of our lives, it’s crucial to carefully examine our behaviors. This introspection can reveal underlying patterns and identify areas for improvement. However, this examination can be challenging. We may be unknowingly influenced by self-deception, which can distort our perception of our actions and their consequences. These self-deceptions can manifest as excuses, justifications, or a reluctance to acknowledge our true motivations.

Furthermore, a deeper level of examination may uncover instances where our actions have inadvertently violated natural laws. These laws, whether physical, psychological, or social, govern the functioning of the universe and human society. When we act in ways that are inconsistent with these natural laws, we often experience negative consequences, such as frustration, disappointment, or even failure. Recognizing the connection between our behavior, the underlying natural law, and the resulting consequence is paramount for personal growth and achieving lasting success. By understanding this interconnectedness, we can make conscious choices that align with these natural laws, leading to more harmonious and fulfilling outcomes.

However, Robert Elias Najemy, leading authority on holistic self-discovery and psychosomatic healing, warns:

“The process of self-analysis is more painful without some degree of self-acceptance and self-love. Otherwise, as we discover the many weaknesses, attachments and fears from which we have been operating, we may begin to feel even more negative about ourselves, and our situation may worsen rather than improve” (Najemy, 2001).

See Self-Assessment Skills for more on this topic

Associated Concepts

• Experience Machine: This is a famous thought experiment is a thought experiment that questions the nature of happiness and reality. He asks us to imagine a machine that can provide any pleasurable experience we desire, making them feel completely real.
• Learning from Mistakes: This is the process of gaining knowledge, understanding, or insight as a result of making errors or experiencing failures. It involves reflecting on what went wrong and identifying the lessons that can be extracted from the situation in order to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
• Utilitarianism: Although it’s a philosophical and ethical theory, utilitarianism is closely related to the hedonic principle. It posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness and minimizes suffering, aligning with the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain.
• Self-Cultivation: This path is the deliberate and conscious effort of improving oneself through various practices, activities, and experiences. It involves the pursuit of personal growth, self-awareness, and self-improvement in different aspects of life, such as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Value Theory: This theory examines the nature, origin, and evaluation of human values and moral principles. It explores questions about what constitutes intrinsic value, the source of value, and how value influences human behavior and decision-making.
• Locus of Control: This refers to the extent to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them. People with an internal locus of control believe they can influence outcomes through their own actions, while those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external factors beyond their control.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

​In self-preservation, we misjudge our behaviors, examining the self through the cloudy mirrors of bias, relieving the self of painful responsibilities; we blame others for our failures. We comfort guilt, sorrow and anguish by ignoring personal blemishes—our brain short-circuits—reverting to the barbaric childhood defense of blaming others. We act wrong and call it right. When our compass is out of whack, losing contact with magnetic north, we will squander.

We need clearer vision. We need realistic understanding of the natural laws of succeeding. If we violate major groupings of applicable laws, failure is bound to follow. Avoiding responsibility, declaring freedom from the order of the universe, will eventually haunt our futures. We may fool ourselves, but natural laws remains in effect. Learn the laws, act accordingly, and reap the blessings.

Last Update: December 1, 2025

References:

Horney, Karen (1950/1991). Neurosis and Human Growth: The struggle toward self-realization. W. W. Norton & Company; 2nd edition. ISBN-10: 0393307751; APA Record: 951-02718-000
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Najemy, Robert Elias. (2001). The Psychology of Happiness: Understanding Ourselves and Others. Edition: 4th. Holistic Harmony Publishers. ISBN-10: 0971011605
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