HOW TO RULE THE WORLD
By Theo Baker
Publisher: Penguin Press
The Stanford University student chronicles his investigation that helped end the tenure of Marc Tessier-Lavigne as the school’s president.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Theo Baker's "How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University" is a scathing exposé that peels back the gilded veneer of one of America's most prestigious institutions to reveal a cesspool of avarice, deceit, and unchecked ambition. Baker, a mere freshman at the time, demonstrates journalistic prowess that shames seasoned reporters, unearthing a scandal that led to the resignation of Stanford's president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne.
From the outset, Baker immerses readers in the opulent yet morally bankrupt culture of Stanford, where students are not nurtured as scholars but groomed as commodities for Silicon Valley's insatiable appetite. The university's transformation into a corporate juggernaut is laid bare, with an annual budget surpassing that of 116 countries ([newstatesman.com](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/education/2026/05/inside-silicon-valleys-get-rich-university?utm_source=openai)). This staggering wealth, however, serves not education but the perpetuation of a toxic ecosystem where venture capitalists prey on freshmen, luring them with promises of unicorn status and obscene riches.
Baker's narrative is both riveting and horrifying. His meticulous investigation into Tessier-Lavigne's research misconduct is a masterclass in tenacity, exposing falsified data that had been conveniently overlooked for decades ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/theo-baker/how-to-rule-the-world-2/?utm_source=openai)). The ensuing legal threats and institutional stonewalling he faced underscore a systemic rot that prioritizes reputation over integrity.
Critics have lauded Baker's work, with Publishers Weekly describing it as an "incendiary account" that candidly addresses the toll of his reporting on his personal life and faith in higher education ([books.apple.com](https://books.apple.com/us/book/how-to-rule-the-world/id6756286704?utm_source=openai)). Kirkus Reviews commends the memoir as "absorbing," highlighting its brisk narrative and well-explained details ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/theo-baker/how-to-rule-the-world-2/?utm_source=openai)).
However, the book is not without its flaws. Baker's penchant for self-aggrandizement occasionally grates, and his detailed recounting of personal relationships adds little to the overarching narrative. Moreover, while his critique of Stanford is damning, it sometimes veers into hyperbole, risking the dilution of his otherwise compelling arguments.
In conclusion, "How to Rule the World" is a blistering indictment of an institution that has lost its moral compass, prioritizing profit over principle. Baker's unflinching exposé is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the corrosive influence of Silicon Valley on higher education. Highly recommended!
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 5/28/2026