NYT Gives Some Slightly Better PR to Berkeley Rationalist Group After Zizian Arrests

The New York Times published a profile of the Berkeley-based Rationalist movement, neglecting to mention the Zizians, a splinter group accused of violent crimes. Critics argue that this oversight raises concerns about the movement's cult-like tendencies and the potential dangers of its intellectual space. Harvard chaplain Greg M. Epstein questioned how much more cult-like the Rationalists must appear to be labeled as such, emphasizing their focus on a fantastical future. The Rationalist community has included influential figures, such as DeepMind co-founder Shane Legg and former OpenAI researcher Paul Christiano.

Anna Salamon of CFAR admitted that Rationalist meet-ups created an environment conducive to cult formation, where vulnerable individuals were manipulated by Ziz, the group's leader. Salamon noted that these individuals sought significance within the Rationalist sphere and turned to Ziz when they felt sidelined. The Zizians' actions have prompted discussions about the implications of fostering such a community. Overall, the article's failure to address the Zizians raises questions about the Rationalists' influence and the potential consequences of their ideology.