Ziz, a once-prominent computer programmer with roots in the rationalist community, met a tragic end in Pennsylvania. She was killed in a double homicide alongside her companion, Daniel Blank. Known for her intellectual pursuits and unconventional lifestyle, Ziz's life was marked by her association with various communities, her confrontational nature, and ultimately, her mysterious demise.
Ziz's journey began with her passion for science fiction and mathematics, which she embraced as a child. Her aptitude for numbers led her to a career as a quant trader in New York. However, her path took a turn as she delved deeper into the rationalist community, particularly aligning with LessWrong and the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI). Her time at MIRI honed her interest in artificial intelligence and existential risks.
Her life took an unconventional turn when she purchased a sailboat and chose to live on it for a time. She later settled in California with Alice Monday and Daniel Blank, continuing her unique lifestyle on a sailboat. Despite her intellectual pursuits, she developed a reputation for being confrontational, resulting in her being banned from Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR) events.
Ziz's arrest in Maryland in February 2022 marked a significant turning point. Authorities found her living on a stranger's land in a box truck. Around the same time, she purchased a 9mm pistol, ammunition, and a holster in Vermont. Her arrest led to a five-month imprisonment, adding further complexity to her already tumultuous life.
Her involvement with a group known as the "Zizians" showcased her commitment to challenging societal norms. The group famously went on a two-year rent strike, reflecting Ziz's belief in escaping high housing prices as part of a broader mission to "save the world" from potential AI doom.
"I came to see … artificially high housing prices as something that was crucial to escape for anyone who wanted to actually try to save the world. Who wouldn’t accept a 90% probability of [AI] doom." – Ziz
Ziz's online presence further highlighted her complex personality. In chatroom discussions, she was known for having "dramatic fantasies about becoming a knife murderer." These discussions raised concerns about her mental state and intentions.
Tragically, Ziz's life ended in violence. She allegedly participated in an attempt to stab someone to death before being killed herself. Her death left many questions unanswered about her motivations and the factors leading to her demise.