Theo Baker’s forthcoming How to Rule the World offers an insider’s view of one of America’s elite institutions, but can it change the game?

Baker’s book is a stark portrayal of Silicon Valley’s influence on Stanford, where students arrive already primed for startup life. But at what cost? While The Social Network glamorised ambition, Baker uncovers a system that normalises fraud and personal sacrifice.

D drops out after two years to pursue his own venture, only to find himself behind on his life. The costs of this entrepreneurial culture are high: broken relationships, missed milestones, and a billion-dollar dream that rarely delivers.

Baker’s critique is timely but ironic. Stanford alumni might celebrate the book, using it as evidence that their alma mater nurtures not just success stories but also important writers. The system, though, remains unchanged, with its focus on performance over substance.