Why Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton might end up the world’s most educated person

Early in the autumn semester of the 2025-26 academic year, Lisa Belkin, an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s journalism school, realised that one of her students, Jamie Beaton, had yet to show up for class. Belkin, who avoids combing the internet for information about her students, knew nothing about Beaton. She was curious about his absence, though, so she reached out to a dean, who sent an email. Beaton was apologetic in his reply, saying he had mixed up his schedule. He was in New Zealand, teaching a course in entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland, but would be back…