When Rationality Turns Radical
Imagine a group of highly intelligent individuals—philosophers, computer scientists, and ethicists—who claim to seek justice and fairness. Now, imagine that same group being linked to multiple homicides across the U.S. What happens when rationalism, anarchism, and effective altruism twist into violent extremism? This is the story of the Zizian cult.
The Origins of the Zizians
The Zizian cult, also known as the Zizians, was founded by Jack “Ziz” LaSota, a transgender woman with a background in computer science and philosophy. Initially, Ziz was an active participant in the Bay Area rationalist community, engaging with organizations like the Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR) and the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI). However, tensions arose when her radical ideas were not widely accepted. Over time, she distanced herself from these groups, forming her own following that gradually became more extreme.
By 2022, Ziz was presumed dead in a boating accident, only to resurface alive in Pennsylvania in early 2023. As of 2025, she has been arrested in Maryland, facing charges related to multiple violent incidents, including the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
Core Beliefs: A Cult Without Religion
Unlike traditional religious cults, the Zizians’ belief system emerged from an atheist and rationalist worldview. Their ideology was a fusion of:
- Ethical Veganism – A strict opposition to all forms of animal exploitation.
- Left-Wing Anarchism – A rejection of hierarchical structures and advocacy for a stateless society.
- Effective Altruism – The belief in using logic and evidence to maximize positive social impact.
- Rationalist Philosophy – An emphasis on critical thinking and skepticism.
- Anti-Authority Sentiment – A particular hostility toward landlords, law enforcement, and other perceived oppressors.
The core paradox of the Zizian philosophy is their willingness to employ authoritarian tactics in their quest to dismantle oppressive systems. They claim to oppose hierarchy, coercion, and systemic control, yet they enforce their ideology through intimidation and violence, effectively replacing one form of domination with another. This contradiction—fighting oppression while using oppressive means—illustrates a recurring pattern in extremist movements throughout history. When a group becomes convinced of its moral superiority, it often justifies actions that directly contradict its stated principles. In the Zizians’ case, their rejection of authority did not lead to true anti-authoritarianism but rather to the creation of a new, rigid system where ideological purity was strictly enforced, and dissent was not tolerated.
How Did the Zizians Become Radicalized?
The group’s transformation from intellectual activism to violent extremism followed a pattern familiar to many radical movements:
- Intellectualism & Moral Righteousness
- The Zizians’ intelligence fostered a sense of superiority, leading them to believe they had a moral clarity that others lacked.
- This belief in “higher truths” justified dismissing dissenting opinions as ignorant or corrupt.
- Social Isolation
- Initially connected to rationalist and effective altruism communities, they became increasingly alienated.
- Rejection by mainstream intellectual groups pushed them further into ideological isolation.
- The Charismatic Leader
- Ziz, a persuasive and intense figure, combined elements of anarchism, transhumanism, and effective altruism into an evolving ideology.
- She employed psychological techniques, including fear tactics and moral purity tests, to solidify loyalty.
- The Justification of Violence
- What began as philosophical discussions on justice escalated into real-world attacks on individuals they deemed oppressive.
- Small unethical acts snowballed into larger justifications for violence, fueled by cognitive dissonance.
Psychological Analysis: Cognitive Biases and Illusions
Radicalization is often driven by cognitive distortions, including:
- Black-and-White Thinking – Viewing all landlords as oppressors or all government officials as corrupt leaves no room for nuance.
- Group Polarization – Isolated communities reinforce extreme beliefs, making radical ideas seem normal within the group.
- Moral Licensing – Doing good in some areas (e.g., veganism, altruism) may make individuals feel justified in unethical actions elsewhere.
- Echo Chambers – Cutting off dissenting voices strengthens ideological rigidity.
How to Avoid Falling into Extremist Cults
The Zizian case serves as a warning. Here’s how individuals can protect themselves from similar radicalization:
- Encourage Nuanced Thinking – Teach critical thinking that allows for complexity rather than absolute ideologies.
- Foster Healthy Intellectual Communities – Open debates and diverse perspectives prevent echo chambers.
- Find Meaning Without Extremism – People seeking purpose should engage in constructive activism rather than destructive radicalism.
- Intervene Early – Watch for warning signs of ideological purity tests and social isolation.
- Challenge Justifications for Violence – History shows that violent revolutions rarely achieve utopian goals; nonviolent movements have been more effective.
Final Thoughts
The Zizian cult serves as a stark reminder that intelligence, no matter how advanced, is no safeguard against extremism. Many of its members were highly educated, deeply analytical individuals, yet they fell into the trap of rigid ideological thinking. When moral absolutism and a sense of intellectual superiority replace genuine critical inquiry, even movements that begin with noble intentions can spiral into dangerous territory. The belief in possessing an ultimate moral truth often leads to the justification of extreme actions, as dissenters are dismissed as ignorant or morally corrupt. To prevent others from falling into similar ideological traps, it is essential to cultivate intellectual humility, encourage open debate, and promote communities where complexity is embraced rather than shunned. True critical thinking requires not just intelligence but also the willingness to question one’s own assumptions, engage with opposing views, and resist the seductive allure of certainty.
Excerpt
The Zizian cult exposes the dangers of ideological extremism, where rationalism turns radical and moral absolutism justifies violence. Advocating veganism while endorsing murder, opposing authority while enforcing control—its contradictions reveal how cognitive biases can warp logic into fanaticism. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial to preventing future radicalization.
Resources
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/zizians-cult-like-group-jack-ziz-lasota-deaths-us-13864431.html
https://www.lesswrong.com/w/j-lasota-ziz
https://www.wired.com/story/delirious-violent-impossible-true-story-zizians/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/zizians-group-jack-lasota-killings-6f3aa40a?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Treasures of the Elysian Fields 
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