“No, Rationalism Is Not a Cult” by Liam Robins

(I realize I'm preaching to the choir by posting this here. But I figure it's good to post it regardless.)

Introduction

Recently, Scott Alexander gave a list of tight-knit communities with strong values:

• The Amish: They live apart in tight-knit communities with strong countercultural values, and carefully control their technological and ideological environment. 10/10.
• Cults and communes: Any cult mature enough to have its own compound, or any communal living project, has succeeded almost as thoroughly as the Amish. We may not support their insane religious beliefs, or the various sex crimes they are no doubt committing, but they have succeeded at Fukuyama's suggestion of knitting themselves a new god within the liberal order. 9.5/10.
• Ultra-Orthodox Jews and Mormons: Get lots of people of the same religion together in one place - a timeless classic. Some of the ultra-est of the ultra-Orthodox are still more fluent in Yiddish [...]

---

Outline:

(00:16) Introduction

(07:57) Warning Signs of a Cult

(08:01) 1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability

(08:54) 2. Zero tolerance for criticism or questions

(09:50) 3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget

(11:53) 4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions

(12:39) 5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave

(13:46) 6. Abuse of members

(14:40) 7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group

(15:22) 8. Followers feeling they are never able to be good enough

(16:29) 9. A belief that the leader is right at all times

(17:40) 10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing truth or giving validation

(17:49) Conclusion

---

First published:
August 7th, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/MXrxpyrAh99bYymag/no-rationalism-is-not-a-cult

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

---

Images from the article:

Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.