WSJ Review: How Did Epstein Snare So Many Powerful New Yorkers?

Why would luminaries risk their reputations by interacting with Jeffrey Epstein? Sex aside, it’s clear to me what many of the others were truly after.

Those who knew Jeffrey Epstein (seen here in an undated photo) say his powers of seduction could be intoxicating. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

In this weekend’s Review Section of the Wall Street Journal, I try to tackle the reasons smart people were so dumb. Sex aside, why did Senators, scientists, Wall Street’s top lawyer, doctors, and entrepreneurs park their morals before they entered his lair?

I believe I know why: it’s how power ticks in New York. Here, I’m not judging nor exonerating, my goal is to explain.