Max Read, a journalist and owner of the ReadMax newsletter, dives into the chilling world of the Zizians, a cult born from Silicon Valley's Rationalist movement. They discuss the group's radical ideologies, particularly their controversial views on morality and AI safety. The conversation unpacks the cult's descent into violence, including a fatal incident involving a Border Patrol agent. Read also highlights the psychological manipulation by their leader, Ziz, and the modern anxieties propelling individuals toward extremist beliefs.
The Zizians, led by Ziz, evolved from Rationalist ideals into a militant group, justifying violence against perceived injustices like factory farming.
Escalating tensions with law enforcement highlighted the group's radicalization, leading to serious crimes and challenges to civil rights within their belief system.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Zizians
The Zizians emerged from the Rationalist movement, which encourages rational thinking and reasoning to achieve better outcomes in various areas of life. A key figure in this group is Ziz, a computer programmer who attracted followers through unconventional ideas, including the belief that animal lives are equal to human lives. Ziz proposed extreme measures against perceived injustices in factory farming, admitting a willingness to resort to violence in pursuit of these beliefs. Through her influence, Ziz fostered a sense of obligation among her followers to act on her radical principles, eventually leading them into conflict with the law.
Legal Troubles and Escalation
Tensions escalated in 2019 when Ziz and her followers protested against accusations of misconduct within the Rationalist community’s prominent institutions, leading to their arrest by law enforcement. The group sought to expose what they viewed as moral failings in their leaders, but their actions did not go unnoticed, triggering a violent police response. This incident marked a turning point, where the Zizians' stance became more militant, ultimately intertwining their beliefs with increasingly radical actions. Following these events, Ziz’s authority grew amidst claims of civil rights violations, solidifying her leadership within a controversial belief system.
A Pattern of Violence and Allegations
The Zizians became embroiled in further violence, including the murder of individuals connected to their circle, revealing a troubling pattern of actions influenced by their beliefs. Notably, incidents involved stabbings and police confrontations, raising questions about the group's motivations and direction. The fallout from these events extended to continued associations with other criminal activities, suggesting a broader web of influence and danger. As investigations unfolded, Ziz was implicated alongside her followers, emphasizing the shifting dynamics of power and moral justification within their ideologies.
Journalist Max Read explains how a bunch of Silicon Valley computer scientists spun into a cult accused of killings.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn with help from Travis Larchuk, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.
A mugshot of Jack 'Ziz' Lasota, leader of the Zizians, after her arrest in connection with the killing of a Border Patrol Officer in Vermont in January. Image courtesy of the Allegany, MD County Sheriff's Office.