Theo Baker, a Stanford freshman, has already made a significant impact with his investigative journalism. In his first semester, he broke a story that led to the resignation of Stanford's president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, earning him a George Polk Award. Baker's new book, 'How to Rule the World', delves into his time at Stanford and the school's complex relationship with the venture capital industry. The book explores the 'Stanford inside Stanford', a parallel reality where aspiring tech elites are groomed for success. Baker describes a system where venture capitalists scout for fresh talent, often targeting freshmen, and a secret class, akin to Skull and Bones, promises to teach them the secrets of ruling the world. The author reflects on the timing of his arrival, coinciding with the FTX collapse and the launch of ChatGPT, which shifted campus focus from crypto to AI. He discusses the pressure on students to pursue entrepreneurship, driven by the fear of a challenging job market and the allure of wealth and influence. Baker offers advice to young students, urging them to pursue their passions and not just follow trends. He also shares his own journey, realizing his love for journalism and its intersection with his future endeavors.
