Stanford is often seen as a beautiful oasis of learning, but student journalist Theo Baker ’26 reveals a different side in his debut book, *How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University.* Released on May 19, it uncovers a culture that many overlook.
In a recent talk at the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, moderated by political science professor Rob Reich, Baker discussed his book, which takes its name from an unofficial course that only admits a handful of students after an intense vetting process.
Baker’s book shares his experiences as a freshman, comparing it to a treasure hunt. He remembers his first article about the “War on Fun” and admits he initially aimed for a career in computer science. Unlike his parents, who write for major publications like The New York Times, Baker didn’t plan on becoming a journalist. But a deep dive into the controversies surrounding former University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne changed his path. His investigative work led to Tessier-Lavigne’s resignation and made him the youngest recipient of the George Polk Award.
Baker highlights the unique pressures at Stanford, where venture capitalists eagerly seek to invest in students, viewing them as fresh opportunities. He describes the pressure as a “fetishization of youth,” where young voices are targeted for investment—a problematic dynamic he terms the “Coupa Circuit.”
During his talk, he referred to Stanford as “the most commercialized university in the world.” He cited the institution’s significant budget, larger than many countries’, and criticized its ties with Silicon Valley, which often prioritize profit over student well-being. He pointed out that some investors give students substantial funding for half-baked ideas but fail to provide guidance afterward, opening the door to questionable practices.
Baker expressed concern over a culture that lacks accountability, likening it to historical cases of fraud like those involving Sam Bankman-Fried and Elizabeth Holmes. Both were punished for deceptive practices that distorted the truth, harming investors and damaging trust in innovation.
Rob Reich mentioned that some readers of Baker’s book struggle to relate it to their own experiences at Stanford. Professor Charles Eesley noted that while Baker’s insights are valid, they may not reflect the entire student population’s experience at the university.
Elisabeth Bik, a microbiologist at the talk, shared her perspective on the pressures within academic circles. Having assisted Baker in analyzing Tessier-Lavigne’s work, she emphasized how the race to produce groundbreaking research can lead to ethical lapses. “Science should be done slowly,” she argued, highlighting the need for integrity in research.
Baker and Bik’s conversation centered on promoting honesty in innovation. As Baker put it simply, “Tech is cool, but fraud is not cool.” They advocate for a system where academic success does not come at the cost of integrity.
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