The 'Elected' Principle: Why Taking Action in the Face of Unaddressed Problems is Essential

The episode's core argument is that when an obvious problem exists and no one else is willing or able to address it, one becomes "elected" by default to step up and do their best to solve it. Dr. Taraban illustrates this with a personal anecdote of directing traffic at a chaotic intersection in New York City when no authorities were present. This principle, he explains, guides his personal and professional life, including his decision to discuss "intersexual dynamics" on his channel, viewing it as another chaotic, unaddressed societal problem. A crucial distinction is drawn between being a passive "NPC" (non-player character) who observes or complains, and an active "player character" who engages with problems and works towards solutions. The speaker emphasizes that being "elected" doesn't mean being the most competent, wisest, or capable person for the job, but simply the one willing to act. He acknowledges that others might do it better, but until they show up, the responsibility falls to the one who steps forward. He also differentiates between criticizing a "bumbling solution" and actively contributing to one. The podcast offers a direct call to action: instead of remaining in the "peanut gallery" as critics, individuals, particularly men, should move into the "intersection" and become part of the solution. It recommends starting with smaller, local problems within one's house, relationships, family, or community, rather than immediately aiming for world-stage issues, which is deemed "arrogant and absurd" without prior experience. The message encourages listeners to "look the [__] around" for opportunities to step up, get involved, and grow their capacity. The broader implication is that a society filled with passive observers and critics will stagnate in chaos, while one where individuals embrace the "elected" principle fosters progress and reduces suffering. By engaging with problems, individuals not only contribute to the world but also discover their own identity and place, moving from a state of non-existence (NPC) to active participation (player character). This proactive stance is presented as a fundamental aspect of personal growth and societal improvement, transforming problems into opportunities for self-discovery and contribution.

if no one else is doing the job, you're elected.

I just saw that there was a very obvious problem that was affecting people and no one else seemed willing or able to do anything about it and in the absence of an alternative I was elected

if there's an obvious problem and no one else seems willing or able to do anything about it it's like I've been elected to do my best to address that problem until such time comes when somebody who has more competence experience or ability can take the job from me

I'm not always the smartest or the wisest or the most capable sometimes I'm just the guy willing to do it

The goal of this channel is to reduce unnecessary human suffering and in so doing make the world a better place

We don't need more people to point out the problem we're all [__] aware of what the problem is it's loud and obvious and in our faces what we need are people who are willing to be part of the solution

every problem is also an opportunity for you to step up to get involved to grow your capacity to declare I exist

to be a player character you have to find a problem and work towards its solution

the world doesn't need any more critics my friends the world needs people who are in the intersection

it's in the street that you discover who you are and it's there that you find your place among men