Ultimately, the universe records all our actions in one way or another. Everything has ripple effects, many of which are unforeseen. Everything is documented, even if only in your own mind, which affects your own behavior going forward. In a way, the universe can't help but hold us accountable. Cause-and-effect is how it operates. This is what Taoism references, this is what the concept of "Karma" references, this is what Buddhism talks about frequently. If you understand the cause-and-effect of the vast machinery of the universe, it's obvious every action has ripple effects, so we must be stewards of those ripples as best we can. A good legacy going backward creates a good legacy going forward.