Theo Baker is set to graduate from Stanford with noteworthy achievements: a book deal, a George Polk Award for his investigative reporting as a student journalist, and a keen perspective on one of the world’s most esteemed institutions.
His upcoming book, “How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University,” was recently excerpted in The Atlantic. The book prompts the question: Can it truly bring change, or will it just attract more students to the university?
A comparison can be drawn to “The Social Network” by Aaron Sorkin, which, despite its criticism of the Silicon Valley culture, inspired a wave of young people to emulate Mark Zuckerberg. Similarly, Baker’s detailed account of Stanford highlights the exclusive world where venture capitalists engage with young students, offering “pre-idea funding” and blurring the lines between guidance and exploitation. According to Steve Blank, who instructs at Stanford, the university resembles “an incubator with dorms,” not in a complimentary sense.
The transition is evident; students now enter Stanford already anticipating launching startups and amassing wealth, influenced by the Silicon Valley ethos. An example is a friend referred to as D, who left Stanford to pursue a startup—now successful by industry measures but personally sacrificing family time and relationships.
Baker’s piece touches on the unseen personal tolls this system inflicts, beyond just cases of fraud. The missed personal milestones and the elusive billion-dollar dream reflect a stark reality: While 100% of entrepreneurs identify as visionaries, 99% statistically aren’t, according to Blank.
Questions linger about the future of those who don’t succeed, while the cycle continues. Sam Altman, known in tech circles, notes the irony in the VC scene now being an “anti-signal” for genuine talent. The divide between performing ambition and real innovation blurs.
“How to Rule the World” seems apt for now but may ironically be lauded by the very circles it critiques. Its potential success, already considered for a film, could further underscore Stanford’s role in producing influential figures in various fields.