In this whirlwind article from Vox, Aja Romano unpacks the disturbing evolution of a post-rationalist movement rooted in Silicon Valley’s tech culture. Originally a breeding ground for innovative ideas, Silicon Valley now finds itself shadowed by the cultlike “Zizians,” followers of the enigmatic leader Ziz LaSota. Once an active participant in the rationalist community, Ziz transitioned from hosting communal houseboat living to spearheading bizarre ideologies, promoting practices like “unihemispheric sleep” which exploited sleep deprivation as a means of control. The group’s dark journey—from a protest against alleged child sex-trafficking coverups, an escalated standoff in Vallejo, to a string of violent incidents across the country—has left a gruesome trail including six deaths, multiple suicides, and erratic legal entanglements. One former member chillingly encapsulated the group’s militant mentality by stating, “Zizians do not think it is ever valid to surrender,” a sentiment that seems to underscore the dangerous mix of fantasy-infused post-rationalist thought and extremist action.

Key points:

• Tech Culture Turned Extremist: Silicon Valley, known for innovation, now harbors radical movements that blur the line between visionary ideas and dangerous cult-like behaviors.
• The Rise of Ziz and the Zizians: Ziz LaSota, once part of the rationalist community, created a following by espousing unconventional ideas, including the hazardous practice of unihemispheric sleep and the belief in dual inner identities.
• Escalation to Violence: The group’s trajectory shifted from online debates and quirky blog posts to real-world violence, including a contentious protest, a deadly standoff in Vallejo, and a series of murders and legal crises.
• Fragmented Leadership and Influence: Despite the chaos, there is no centralized command structure—illustrating that extremist actions can emerge from loosely connected individuals influenced by dangerous ideas.
• Cultural and Ethical Implications: The case raises questions about how internet-fueled ideologies and fringe philosophies influence societal behavior, with references to famous thought experiments like Roko’s Basilisk and even parallels to popular culture, such as “Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality.”
• Direct Warning and Context: As one ex-Zizian remarked, “Zizians do not think it is ever valid to surrender,” highlighting a mindset that rejects compromise and fuels further violence.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health during such turbulent discussions, remember that help is available: in the US, you can text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential support from the Crisis Text Line.
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