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eli_sennesh comments on First(?) Rationalist elected to state government - Less Wrong Discussion
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Well, since that whole mind-killer business is already way over the horizon...
It can't be uncommon for people on here to look at their elected representatives and think "that doesn't seem like a very high bar to clear". It may be that I'm missing something, but the one elected official I personally know is, to put it bluntly, an uncharismatic tool with no relevant background. I wouldn't trust him as a stooge. Even if it was the safest seat in the country, it's bewildering to me that no-one else is there in his place.
Why don't more people like us (for some conception of "us" that may or may not be coherent) stand for public office? Here are some hypotheses:
Other suggestions (or counter-assertions, or gentle mockery) welcome.
While all your reasons for STEM/rationalist types not to be in politics are very plausible reasons, I'm thinking I should become more politically active, alongside my fiancee. Anyone able to say what one should do in order to get into elected office?
Become famous? I was once almost elected in municipal election, because I was a popular blogger. For greater fame, it helps to be a movie star, or other kind of a person that happens to be seen on TV.
In a country with multiple political parties, it helps to be there when the new party is born. If you read that someone started a new political party that sounds like something you would like, quickly go there, and socialize. They will be happy to have a new supporter, and you will become a member of the inner circle. And generally, be there where is a political debate, make connections, avoid making enemies (even on the opposing political side, because you never know when you may need them, and also being neutral-ish seems deeply wise), use people you know to know more people.
In other words, be a popular extravert, and then do some networking.
Fuck! My greatest weakness!
Would finding a popular extravert you can get behind and getting to be a key member of their team be an alternative? Besides supporting them in a common cause, it would also be an opportunity to learn extraversion by example.
I've had similar thoughts myself, (becoming more politically active, though not alongside your fiancée). Joining at least one political party seems like a good start.