The story of Theo Baker, a 21-year-old Stanford undergraduate, is a fascinating one. Baker, the son of two renowned journalists, Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker, has already achieved remarkable success at a young age. At just 17, he became the youngest winner of the prestigious George Polk journalism award for an investigation that led to the resignation of Stanford's president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne. This achievement is all the more impressive given his family background and the fact that he didn't plan to become a journalist. Instead, he was at Stanford to learn to code, a field that Stanford, being the center of the tech universe, is ideally suited to nurture.
In his book, How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University, Baker delves into the inner workings of Stanford, a place that has become synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship. He explores the idea that Stanford is not just an educational institution but a unique incubator of tech talent, attracting head hunters and talent spotters eager to capture the next big thing. This talent-spotting culture has led to the creation of an unofficial class called 'How to Rule the World', where students are identified as potential 'Rulers' and given access to exclusive luxuries, such as boat parties and fine dining.
However, Baker's investigation into Tessier-Lavigne's research papers revealed significant flaws, including doctored images, which led to the scientist's resignation and the withdrawal of three published papers. This incident highlights the moral void at the heart of the tech world, where the pursuit of success and innovation can sometimes overshadow ethical considerations. Baker's talent and ambition, while impressive, also evoke a sense of envy and unease, as he navigates a world where the boundaries between ambition and morality are often blurred.
The book serves as a thrilling story of journalistic investigation, akin to All the President's Men, but set on a college campus. It raises important questions about the culture of innovation, the role of universities in fostering ethical behavior, and the impact of Stanford's exceptionalism on the broader tech industry. Baker's work not only exposes the flaws within Stanford but also highlights the broader implications of the tech world's moral void, leaving readers with a sense of unease and a call to action to address these issues.
